Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has issued a statement appealing to all the political parties in the State not to ‘politicize’ the normal appointment of Karnataka-based Soorappa as the next Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious Anna University.

“As the appointment has been made based on the recommendations received by the Governor’s office, it shouldn’t be politicized,” a statement issued by Raj Bhawan on Governor’s behalf said.  The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of the overall opposition to the appointment of a ‘Kannadiga’ as Anna University’s V-C at a time Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are on the war-path over the Cauvery water issue.

Said to be a BJP sympathizer and close to the RSS-led Sangh Parivar, Soorappa takes up the post of V-C which has been remaining vacant for the past two years.  Anna University holds the overall administrative control of all self-financing engineering colleges in the State.  Political parties in the State have been opposing Soorappa’s appointment in view of his Karnataka origin.

“No rule has been violated in appointing Soorappa ‘Anna’ as V-C as he is among the 3-member panel recommended to me for appointment.  Soorappa’s appointment has been made keeping in view the overall welfare of the teaching faculty as well as the students.  The appointment has been made honestly and in a fair manner with no ulterior motives.  Please don’t politicize it,” the Governor’s statement said.