CM Revanth slams new UGC draft rules as ‘attack on Constitution’

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday described the draft UGC rules as an ‘attack on the Constitution’ and demanded that the Centre retract them.

“I am consulting with chief ministers from other southern states about the matter, committed to fighting together,” he said, after unveiling a statue of Ambedkar at the BR Ambedkar Open University here.

‘Conspiracy to gain control of state’s colleges’

Though Ambedkar—the Constitution’s principal architect—had specified the topics in the Constitution in state, central and concurrent lists, he alleged that the Centre was now attempting to deprive states of universities through modifications.

“The Centre proposes appointing vice-chancellors of Telangana universities from Delhi, but he questions how people in Delhi will be aware of the reality in the state. This is a big cultural attack and conspiracy to gain control of the state’s colleges,” CM Revanth Reddy said.

Discussed issues with CMs of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala

The chief minister stated that he has ‘coordinated’ with the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala and will shortly speak with his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N Chandrababu Naidu. Observing that the State government is unwilling to give up its privileges, CM Revanth Reddy requested that the draft UGC rules be withdrawn.

“On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, I urge prime minister Narendra Modi. We will have to consider your attack and the proposed changes to UGC regulations as an attack on the Constitution. You want to invade us. Invading our people, states and regions solely for the sake of power will not yield positive results,” he said, and added that they would fight together.