Chief Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his visit to Gujarat University following the hue and cry over the issue of postponement of examinations at the varsity as a result of his visit.

The reason, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), is that the CM would be busy with other engagements on February 12. Incidentally, the date of the function was decided a month ago.

The chief minister was about to visit the university after a gap of about a year to inaugurate the University Main Gate, Lokarpan Information Centre, Kargil Water Park, World Language Laboratory, Human Genetic Research Department and the Geo Informatics Climate Change Department.

He was also scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the Examination Centre before addressing the students. Vice-Chancellor Parimal Trivedi had also issued circulars requesting all affiliated colleges to postpone or adjust the preliminary examination date (12th of this month), as it was clashing with the CM’s function, and the students’ presence at the function was required.

But opposition poured in from all quarters, including the students’ union, which had threatened to launch a movement against the cancellation of the exams. Even the executive council members had criticised the move to postpone the examinations.

This was the first time in the history of Gujarat University or rather any university in the state where an examination date had been adjusted to facilitate the CM’s function.

Now, the cancellation has come just three days before the scheduled programme. But four affiliated colleges, Bhavans College; Science College, Maninagar; SV College of Commerce; and AT Commerce College, have already adjusted their examination dates to enable students to attend the function.