Shiv Sena State president Siddalinga Swami has strongly criticised the appointment of Ningappa Kannur as Registrar (Evaluation) of Gulbarga University saying that was blatant political interference and violation of official norms.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Thursday, Siddalinga Swami accused Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge of influencing the Higher Education Department to facilitate Dr. Kannur’s appointment.

He said that the Minister wrote to the Higher Education Minister praising Dr. Kannur and recommending his elevation to the key university post.

The controversy has intensified after a letter of February 3 from the Higher Education Department Secretary stating that the Registrar (Evaluation) post should be filled either by a Karnataka Administrative Service officer not below the rank of Group A Senior Scale or by a senior faculty member from any university.

According to Siddalinga Swami, the same communication clearly noted that Dr. Kannur did not meet the required qualifications for the position.

He said that Dr. Kannur is also facing a complaint before the Lokayukta on the charge of dereliction of duty raising serious questions over the government’s decision to proceed with the appointment despite objections within the department.

“Surprisingly, the Higher Education Department went ahead and appointed Dr. Kannur as Registrar (Evaluation) through an order issued on February 23, completely ignoring established norms and pending allegations,” Siddalinga Swami said.