Ahmedabad, 25 May 2013

B.Ashkok, Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University may face termination from his post for writing an article allegedly in support of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

According to The Hindu report, the Kerala Government Cabinet has approved the proposals in a note (file number 34312/special A/1/2013/ General Administration Department) on recommending to the Governor removal of the Vice-Chancellor for allegedly violating guidelines for writing articles (issued by the Governor), and sections 3 (1) and 7 of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. The Cabinet has directed the Chief Secretary of Kerala to do follow up on this issue.

The note stated that by writing the article, “Modi Sivagiriyil Vannalentha” (What if Modi visits Sivagiri?), published in a Malayalam newspaper on April 24, 2013, Dr. Ashok had “gone beyond standards of decency and discipline”, and “dishonored political leaders and heads of departments”.

On April 11, 2013, the Secretary to the Governor had given permission to Dr. Ashok for publishing technical and literary works on condition that they “do not contain any adverse criticism of current or recent policy of the Central or State governments” or “of conduct of public functionaries or authorities including fellow officers”.Dr. Ashok’s article appeared when Modi’s visit had kicked up a controversy in the State.

The article compared Modi’s visit to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi having not attended the Sivagiri Madhom celebrations.“A congregation having allegiance to the catholic vision of Sree Narayana Guru is open to all. Even a felon seeking repentance must be welcomed. Modi is a serving Chief Minister and deserves to be treated with respect until proven guilty of any charges,” stated Dr. Ashok. The article of Dr. Ashok criticized “Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s advisors”