Fri Aug 01 08:34:51 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reappointed Ciza Thomas and K. Sivaprasad as interim Vice-Chancellors of Digital University Kerala (DUK) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), respectively. This decision has ignited a new dispute with the Kerala State government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who believe the Governor is undermining their authority and defying a Supreme Court judgment requiring consultation on such appointments. The State Law Minister P. Rajeeve called the move an “open challenge” to the court. The government argues the appointments violate legal provisions and the need for state government consultation. Raj Bhavan insists the reappointments comply with the Supreme Court directive. The government is considering legal action, and the Higher Education Minister R. Bindu accuses the Governor of political motivations. The two appointees will be in office for six months or until a permanent candidate is selected.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Governor Sparks New Controversy with University Appointments**

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -** In a move likely to reignite tensions between the Governor’s office and the state government, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reappointed Ciza Thomas and K. Sivaprasad as interim Vice-Chancellors of Digital University Kerala (DUK) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), respectively. The appointments, announced Friday, have been met with strong criticism from the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, who accuse the Governor of disregarding a Supreme Court judgment and undermining state authority over public universities.

“This is an open challenge to the Supreme Court judgment,” declared State Law Minister P. Rajeeve, arguing that the Governor failed to consult with the state government as mandated. He further stated that the appointments contravene specific provisions outlined by both the Supreme Court and the Kerala High Court.

The government had previously submitted panels of nominees for the Vice-Chancellor positions, but Raj Bhavan has disregarded these recommendations. This marks the second time Raj Bhavan has rejected state government nominations.

Raj Bhavan maintains that the reappointments are in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive and relevant laws governing the universities. The notification states that the interim Vice-Chancellors will serve for six months or until permanent replacements are appointed.

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has accused the Governor of acting on political motivations and violating his constitutional duties. She alleges that both the current Governor and his predecessor have undermined the state government’s authority in managing public universities.

The state government is considering further legal action and intends to bring the matter to the attention of the Supreme Court when the case is reviewed. This controversy further exacerbates the already strained relationship between the Governor and the state government, raising questions about the autonomy of state-run universities.

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