Siddalinga Swami Accuses Minister of Political Interference in Gulbarga University Appointment

Shiv Sena State president Siddalinga Swami has strongly criticized the appointment of Ningappa Kannur as the Registrar (Evaluation) of Gulbarga University, labeling it a blatant act of political interference and a violation of official norms. During a press conference in Kalaburagi, Swami accused Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge of influencing the Higher Education Department to facilitate Dr. Kannur’s elevation to the key post. Swami highlighted that a February 3 letter from the Higher Education Department Secretary explicitly stated that candidates must be Karnataka Administrative Service officers of Group A Senior Scale or senior faculty members, qualifications Dr. Kannur allegedly lacks. Furthermore, Swami noted that Dr. Kannur is currently facing a Lokayukta complaint for dereliction of duty. Despite these objections and established guidelines, the department issued an appointment order on February 23. Swami argues that the government ignored internal departmental objections and pending allegations, raising serious questions about the integrity of the selection process and the minister's undue influence in academic administrative appointments.