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Journalism of Courage
The Opposition has sought the Governors intervention in the Calicut University Syndicates decision to grant 43 acres of prime land to three trusts run by either Indian Union Muslim League leaders or their relatives to establish various projects.
After the IUML pocketed the education portfolio in the UDF government,the elected syndicate was disbanded and a nominated one was put in place. In the 14-member Syndicate,the Congress and the IUML had shared six members each.
The first proposal for land 10 acres for an educational research centre had come from Grace Educational Association,led by IUML state president Panakkad Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal,while Badminton Development Trust,led by IUML minister P K Kunhalikuttys daughters father-in law,wanted three acres to establish sporting facilities. The third proposal 30 acres for a sports complex came from Kerala Olympics Association (KOA),which has IUML minister M K Muneers close relative as its secretary.
Syndicate member and Congress leader R S Panicker said: The applications for the land were directly pushed to the syndicate meeting and orders were issued. There was clear political motive behind the move. He said if the IUML leaders were obliged now,several other powerful groups with political backing would rush for university land in future.
On Monday,after Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan petitioned the state Governor to cancel the land deal signed by the university,a section of syndicate members got together to freeze the decision until the next meeting to look into the issue.
Vice-Chancellor Abdul Salam,in a release,said the proposed projects would only contribute to the infrastructure development of the university. Further action on the proposals would be taken only with the consent of the state government,he added.
