T’puram: Emphasising that Lok Bhavan had adopted an approach different from that of the state govt in appointing the interim vice-chancellor (VC) of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), agriculture minister T Siddique on Saturday said that he did not wish to wade into controversies at the moment.According to the minister, the govt had recommended the name of a distinguished academic with national and international recognition. The recommendation was forwarded by the pro chancellor after considering the individual’s academic excellence. However, Raj Bhavan informed the govt that Sajitha Rani was appointed as interim VC based on the criterion of seniority.The minister said the govt would ensure adequate protection and safeguards to maintain scientific research, extension activities and academic programmes related to agriculture at the university. He stressed that it was the govt’s responsibility to ensure that these activities continue without disruption and asserted that no other activities would be allowed to interfere with the functioning of the institution.Siddique said more details regarding the issue would be shared later.
