Oomen ‘move’ makes doc quit science council

The Oommen Chandy Government’s decision to cancel the interviews for selecting directors of three top institutions has reportedly prompted Dr M.S. Valiathan, executive vice-president of the state’s Science, Technology and Environment Council, to step down.

Dr Valiathan today confirmed he had sent in the papers by post on Friday. ‘‘It is up to the Government to divulge the reason,’’ he said. The Chief Minister’s Office expressed surprise at Dr Valiathan’s resignation and said they have not received the letter.

However, sources said he was upset over political interference in the council. The Cabinet recently decided to cancel interviews of candidates he shortlisted for the directors’ posts in the Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, National Transport Planning & Research Centre and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.