Bharat Mata row: Kerala Raj Bhavan expresses displeasure over ‘security lapse’ during SFI-DYFI marches

Raj Bhavan in Kerala has reportedly expressed its displeasure to the State Police over what it has described as a serious “security lapse” during the SFI-DYFI marches taken out to Raj Bhavan on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) night.

Raj Bhavan has also sought stern action against police officers responsible for the alleged lapse, sources said.

The SFI and the DYFI staged marches to Raj Bhavan protesting against the suspension of Kerala University Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar over the Bharat Mata issue. The protests resulted in confrontation and clashes with the police.

The police had used water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.

The demonstrations had taken place less than 50 metres from the main gates of Raj Bhavan, where a heavy police presence had been deployed.

On Wednesday, Vice-Chancellor in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal suspended Mr. Kumar in connection with the latter’s action against the contentious display of the Bharat Mata image at an event attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the university’s Senate Hall. The Registrar has announced his decision to legally challenge the decision.

Minister backs Registrar

On Thursday, Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu came out in support of the Registrar, saying that the V-C “had no power to take such an action” against the Registrar as per the laws and rules governing universities in Kerala.

She termed it “a misuse of power.”