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ShareBangalore: Bangalore University vice-chancellor Dr N Prabhu Dev has put up an elaborate defence of his conduct in the controversy that erupted when two newly-appointed registrars assumed office recently.
In a press conference called on Monday for clarifying why he did what he did, Dr Prabhu Dev read out from a prepared six-page press statement, copies of which were distributed to mediapersons later.
However, the vice-chancellor declined to take many of the queries from the reporters.
It may be recalled that the vice-chancellor not only sought to get the appointments of the two registrars cancelled, he also presented hurdles to their assuming charge after the appointments were finalised. One of the registrars holds charge of administration, and the orther of evaluation.
Justifiying his conduct during the controversy, the vice-chancellor on Monday repeatedly asked one question: "What wrong have I done?"
"I have been shockingly accused of promoting casteism. I have been charged with proposing only the names of Lingayats for the posts. I have never ever practised casteism. I wish to make the Bangalore University the best in the state, as also the country. There is no difference of opinion within the university about my neutral position on caste," he said.
Asked why he made both the registrars wait before assuming office, he said, "As a vice-chancellor don't I have a right to know why my panel is rejected? I will respect the government's order and I know the government is superior."
Dr Prabhu Dev said he has no difference of opinion with the higher education minister.
"I would be seeking an appointment with the honourable education minister," he said.
Asked about the new registrars, MG Krishnan and MS Talwar, he said, "I did not know enough about Krishnan. Had I known him better, I would have included him in the panel. So is the case with Prof Talwar."
