OU hits back at MLC Teenmar Mallanna for leveling `baseless’ allegations; urges him to retract

Hyderabad: Osmania University (OU) administration has hit back at Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Teenmar Mallanna for leveling `baseless’ allegations against the varsity leadership.

The administration has requested him to reconsider his statements.

The friction began following the MLC’s visit to the university’s Administrative Building on January 20.

During the visit, Mallanna reportedly claimed that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram and Registrar Prof. G. Naresh Reddy "fled" the premises to avoid meeting him. He further alleged that the administration was acting with bias regarding the recent suspension of a faculty member.

Administration Sets the Record Straight

In a formal statement released Wednesday, Registrar Prof. G. Naresh Reddy clarified that the Vice-Chancellor was not avoiding the MLC, but was instead attending a pre-scheduled meeting at the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TGCHE).

The university highlighted several key points in defense of its administrative integrity:

Lack of Protocol: The Registrar noted that the MLC arrived without prior intimation. Had notice been given, officials would have been formally deputed to receive him.

Neutrality in Discipline: Addressing Mallanna’s claims of bias, the university stated that the suspension of a specific faculty member was based strictly on internal committee reports and "administrative protocol," emphasizing that the individual's social background was irrelevant to the decision.

Legal Constraints: Since the suspended professor has challenged the move in court, the university noted the matter is sub-judice and declined further detailed comment.

"Osmania University is the pride of the people of Telangana. The administration functions strictly in accordance with established rules," Prof Naresh Reddy stated, urging the MLC to maintain the dignity of the institution.

What did Teenmar Mallanna say?

While the University's statement focused on the "fled" remarks, Teenmar Mallanna’s original criticisms were centered on alleged high-handedness by the new administration.

During his visit, Mallanna accused the university heads of being "unavailable" to people's representatives and suggested that the administration was targeting certain faculty members based on their social backgrounds or political leanings. His comments implied a lack of transparency in how the university is currently being governed under its new leadership.

The university has extended an open invitation to the MLC to visit again, provided he gives prior notice to ensure a formal meeting can take place.