Governor asks Prabhu Dev, Mylarappa to sink differences

Governor H.R. Bhardwaj on Saturday sought to counsel Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor N. Prabhu Dev and Registrar (Administration) B.C. Mylarappa to bury their differences and work together in the “guru-shishya parampara.”

Speaking at a convention organised by the SC, ST Library Professionals Association here on Saturday, the Governor said: “Colleagues must respect each other; there should not be controversies.” The animosity between the two has often been in the limelight.

The Governor said that universities were unfortunately not free from the politics of caste, and the Scheduled Castes and Minorities were often ignored. Claiming to have always championed the cause of deserving people from the socially backward sections, Mr. Bhardwaj said that he fought for their appointments even when he had not got support from the government.

The Governor sought to emphasise that appointments made by him were above caste prejudice. “I have not appointed anyone from the Brahmin community,” he said.

All appointments he made were done entirely on merit, he added, with no caste considerations.

The Governor said that he had never ignored a man of merit. “So long as I am here, you will have the fullest right in nation-building.” He said that casteism was the worst evil and had no place in the constitutional framework.

Lokayukta appointment

Mr. Governor H.R. Bhardwaj has said that he will invite Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, after the legislature session, for discussion and ask him to expedite the process of appointment of the Lokayukta.

It may be mentioned here that after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition on the issue, the High Court asked the government to make it clear what steps it was taking to fill the post. The next hearing is on August 3.