Cold War Between Om Prakash and the Governor: Stalemate Over Vice Chancellor Appointments Continues

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 9, 2025, Kolkata :  The ongoing power struggle between the state government and Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has once again come to the forefront, this time regarding the appointments of permanent Vice Chancellors (VCs) in state universities. Despite a consensus on most candidates, two names—Om Prakash Mishra for North Bengal University and Arnab Sen for Raiganj University—have been subject to objections from the Governor, leading to a protracted standoff.

The Appointment Drama: A Long-Standing Issue

After a two-year hiatus, during which acting VCs have managed the responsibilities of eight state universities, the Supreme Court intervened and directed the appointment of permanent VCs. The names were finalized on October 6, 2025, marking the end of a period of instability. Among the appointments confirmed:

• Ashutosh Ghosh – University of Calcutta

• Chiranjeev Bhattacharya – Jadavpur University

• Ashish Bhattacharya – Gauravanga University

• Uday Banerjee – Kazi Nazrul University

• Chandradeepa Ghosh – Sadhu Ramchand University

• Abu Taleb – Biswa Bangla University

However, the names of Om Prakash Mishra and Arnab Sen have been delayed, with the Governor raising objections.

Governor’s Objections: Om Prakash Mishra's Controversial Past

Om Prakash Mishra, who has previously served as the interim VC at North Bengal University, is at the center of the controversy. His tenure was marred by allegations of corruption related to land transfers and irregularities in salary hikes for teachers and staff. These accusations prompted Governor Bose to order an investigation, though it remains unclear how far the probe has progressed. The Governor has raised concerns over these allegations, resulting in the annulment of his appointment.

Despite the appointment of Om Prakash having been initially cleared by the Supreme Court, objections from Raj Bhavan have prevented his confirmation. Similarly, Arnab Sen, proposed for Raiganj University, also faces delays following objections before the Supreme Court bench.

Governor vs State Government: A Clash of Powers

The standoff highlights the ongoing clash between Raj Bhavan (the Governor's office) and the state government, which has been simmering for months. In the past, the Governor appointed interim VCs without consulting the Mamata Banerjee-led administration, triggering sharp criticism from the state government. This conflict has resulted in an extended period of uncertainty over university leadership, with many institutions being run without permanent heads.

Although an initial consensus had been reached between the state government and the Governor on the names of eight VCs, differences surfaced at the last minute regarding the appointments of Mishra and Sen. The Supreme Court’s involvement further complicated the matter, as the bench now handles the dispute over 17 universities.

The Path Forward

According to sources, despite the setbacks with Om Prakash Mishra and Arnab Sen, appointments for six universities have been confirmed and are expected to be officially announced soon. The names of other candidates, including Ashutosh Ghosh and Chiranjeev Bhattacharya, have been finalized, and their appointments are expected to go through without further delay.

In the coming days, the remaining appointments for 11 other universities are also expected to be resolved. However, the ongoing tension between the state government and Raj Bhavan suggests that political and administrative wrangling may continue to shape the final outcome.

The Bigger Picture

This issue underscores the broader political conflict between Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. With the latter often accusing the former of overreach and interference in state matters, this ongoing feud risks continuing to disrupt the functioning of universities in the state, leaving students and faculty caught in the middle of political gridlock.

As both parties await the Supreme Court’s final ruling on the appointments, the question remains: How long will the standoff continue, and what impact will it have on the administration of state universities? The situation remains fluid, and all eyes will be on the next moves from both Raj Bhavan and the state government.