Bindu dismissive of row over Swaraj’s wife’s PhD registration

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has termed the controversy surrounding the extension of PhD registration of CPI(M) leader M. Swaraj’s wife a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at discrediting the higher education system in the State.

Responding to the allegations levelled at Kannur University by the Save University Campaign Committee, Dr. Bindu said such charges were part of a politically motivated attack. Pointing out that extension was not an isolated case, she added that universities across the State had consistently provided opportunities to students by extending PhD registrations and other academic concessions in the past.

Citing precedents, the Minister said universities such as Kerala University had allowed the renewal of PhD registration for researchers by levying a fine. She also alleged that the campaign was a diversion tactic fuelled by the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s apprehensions about the Nilambur byelection, where Mr. Swaraj is the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate.

Published - June 16, 2025 08:20 pm IST