BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in race for JNU vice-chancellor post?

NEW DELHI: BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s name is doing the rounds for the post of JNU vice-chancellor, although the HRD Ministry is yet to set up a search cum-selection committee for the post.

Amid unverified reports that HRD minister Smriti Irani had spoken to Swamy, 'offering’ the JNU top job to him, Swamy tweeted, "media is on fire that I have been offered the JNU VC post. No formal offer nor will there be if the Govt can’t meet my pre-conditions." Swamy didn’t elaborate on his 'pre conditions' even though he did concede that there is "no formal offer". HRD ministry didn’t comment on the matter.

A selection committee has to be constituted by the ministry, as per norms for appointment of a VC to any central varsity. Advertisements inviting candidates are put out and the committee shortlists three to four candidates and recommends the list to the ministry. The final candidature also requires the approval of the President.

JNU vice-chancellor SK Sopory will complete his tenure in January 2015. The HRD ministry had invited applications for the VC’s post only last month.