Ministers ditch University event

The University of Mumbai had an embarrassing moment on Friday as both their chief guests, Rajesh Tope, minister for higher and technical education, and D.P. Sawant, minister of state for higher and technical education reneged on their commitment to be present for the lecture of Drew Gilipin Faust, president of Harvard University at the Convocation Hall, Fort Campus.

According to University sources, while both the ministers had agreed to attend the event, they decided to stay away from the function citing the election code of conduct. The same was, however, only conveyed to the University on the morning of the event, due to which the University was left in a lurch.

Speaking about the event, a University official, requesting anonymity said that both the ministers and principal secretary of higher and technical education Sanjay Kumar had confirmed their presence at least three weeks ago and the invitation cards were printed and distributed accordingly. Mr Kumar was the only saving grace, as he made it for Mr Faust's lecture. When asked about Mr Tope and Mr Sawant backing out at the last minute, a government official said that the decision to stay away from the event was only taken after the election commission office turned down their requests to attend the event.