Patna, Aug. 3: Lalkeshwar Prasad Singh declined the post of Patna University pro-vice-chancellor today.
The move will further widen the rift between the government and Governor Devanand Konwar over the appointment of the VCs and pro-VCs. Lalkeshwar figured among the five pro-VCs appointed by the chancellor on Monday, which the human resource development minister, P.K. Shahi declared “void” because Konwar allegedly “did not consult” the government while making the appointments.
Incidentally, Lalkeshwar, at present the principal of Patna College, happens to be the husband of the ruling JD(U) MLA from Hilsa Assembly seat in chief minister Nitish Kumar’s home district of Nalanda.
He is believed to have refused the offer for political reasons. “It would not have been nice on his (Lalkeshwar’s) part to accept the appointment on which the government of the party with his wife as its MLA is at loggerheads with the chancellor,” said a JD(U) leader.
Probably, Lalkeshwar’s wife, Usha Sinha, might have suggested him to avoid the controversy by rejecting the new assignment. Usha is believed to be close to Nitish Kumar and will, apparently, not like any controversy to surround her and her man.
Moreover, trying to sound “politically correct”, Lalkeshwar cited personal reasons for refusing the offer. “I still have two years left in my tenure as the principal of Patna College. I would like to complete my tenure,” he said.
He has sent a letter refusing to join as the pro-VC to the chancellor’s office. He will resume work as the principal of Patna College soon.
PU sources said that the reason behind Lalkeshwar not accepting the new assignment was the growing differences between the chancellor and the government over the appointment of the six VCs and five pro-VCs on Monday.
Shahi reiterated: “The governor’s decision on the appointment of the VCs and pro-VCs is very disturbing and not in the larger interest of the state. It is inexplicable that the chancellor has kept the government in dark while making the appointments of the VCs and pro-VCs.”
Shahi, however, was not aware of Lalkeshwar refusing to join PU.
