ABVP demands axing VTU vice-chancellor for making false claim

Mangalore, March 28: Members and workers of Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad on Wednesday took out a protest march here before holding a meeting to demand expulsion of Visvesvaraya Technical University Vice-chancellor H. Mahesappa, who allegedly making a false claim to get the coveted post.

The protesters demanded Governor H.R. Bharadwaj to immediately dismiss him since he had falsely claimed before the search panel that he had passed the BE with first class. “What is the integrity of this man? How can he inspire engineering students. It has been proved that he passed his degree with second class,” Vinaya Bidre, Natiional Secretary of ABVP said, addressing the protesters in front o fthe Deputy Commissioner's office.

Earlier, the ABVP workers held a rally from Hampankatte to the DC office. They also submitted a memorandum to the Governor through the DC, demanding action against Mr. Maheshappa.

Ramesh K. ABVP State secretary, Mahesh M.R., district co-convenor of the organisation also spoke and demanded an inquiry into the issue. The workers also held placards containing demands for the removal of the VC for giving false information.

Although it is not mandatory for a person to have a first class degree to become a VC, but Maheshappa has been accused of making false claims before the search panel that selected him to head the VTU for three years from 2010. While he has claimed that he has a first class degree in BE, those who have filed a public interest litigation in the High Court have alleged that he has just a second class degree, and contrary to his claim did not guide any PhD student.