Kerala Governor decries politicisation of campuses

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar addressing a senate meeting at Kerala University on Tuesday.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has voiced strong criticism against the growing influence of politics in college and university campuses across the State.

Presiding over a senate meeting at Kerala University here on Tuesday, Mr. Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of the university, expressed concern over the excessive politicisation of academic institutions which, he feared, has been hindering the progress of the younger generation.

Remarking that every activity is being seen through a political perspective, the Governor called for freeing educational institutions from the clutches of politics. He was also critical of alleged efforts by the State to establish supremacy at institutions. This, he termed, is anti-constitutional and threatens the autonomy of the knowledge centres.

He went on to attribute political interference in academics as a key factor behind numerous students opting to leave the State to pursue education elsewhere.

SFI demonstration

The senate meet was held amid demonstration by the Students Federation of India (SFI), which has been protesting against the display of the portraits of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders K.B. Hedgewar and M.S. Golwalkar, alongside that of Bharat Mata, at the Raj Bhavan.

The activists attempted to hang banners, which flagged the Governor’s alleged political leanings, outside the university gates. The police soon intervened and removed the banner, paving the way for a minor scuffle. Undeterred, the SFI activists returned holding pictures of B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, and continued their protest as the Governor passed by.

During the senate meeting, the SFI emerged victorious in the election for student representative to the University Syndicate. SFI candidate Vaibhav Chacko, a student of Kerala Law Academy, garnered 56 out of the total 69 votes polled. His opponent, Mohammed Shinas Babu of the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) managed to secure only 13 votes, while one vote was declared invalid.

Later in the day, the Governor convened a meeting with Vice-Chancellors of all 14 State Universities at the Raj Bhavan. He is learnt to have emphasised the need for strict adherence to the academic calendar.

Financial challenges

Sources said Mr. Arlekar also assured the universities of his support in addressing financial challenges that may have affected their academic and administrative functioning. He committed to take up the issue with the Chief Minister.

The universities were also urged to seek legal counsel to resolve obstacles that existed in filling vacant teaching positions.

Published - June 17, 2025 08:49 pm IST