Kerala VCs Criticised For Attending RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Event

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala after three university Vice-Chancellors attended an event addressed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. The participation of the academic leaders drew criticism from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, both of whom questioned the appropriateness of their presence at the programme and its implications for the neutrality of educational institutions.

Chief Minister Vijayan strongly criticised the Vice-Chancellors for attending the event, stating that individuals occupying such prestigious academic positions should exercise caution in their public engagements. He argued that participation in a programme led by a figure associated with a particular ideological organisation could affect public confidence in the independence and impartiality of universities. The Chief Minister also reiterated his government's opposition to any activity that it believes promotes communal divisions.

According to Vijayan, the office of a Vice-Chancellor carries significant responsibility and commands respect among the people of Kerala. He said that attendance at an event organised around a leader whose views are considered controversial by critics had raised concerns regarding the dignity of the position. The Chief Minister maintained that communalism in any form should not be encouraged and stressed that such actions would not be viewed favourably by the state government.

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Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan also criticised the participation of the Vice-Chancellors and called upon them to apologise to the people of Kerala. He argued that academic leaders are expected to remain above political and ideological affiliations in order to safeguard the credibility of higher education institutions. His remarks added further momentum to the debate, which has become a major political talking point in the state.

The criticism, however, prompted a sharp response from Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Defending the Vice-Chancellors' attendance at the event, Chandrasekhar accused the Chief Minister of hypocrisy and questioned the ruling government's commitment to secular values. He argued that attending a public programme addressed by the RSS chief should not be treated as a matter of controversy and described the criticism as politically motivated.

In a post on social media platform X, Chandrasekhar alleged that the state government was attempting to intimidate academic leaders for attending a public event. He further accused both the CPI(M) and Congress of engaging in vote-bank politics and using the BJP and RSS as political targets. Chandrasekhar asserted that people in Kerala would continue to express their views freely and support leaders they believe place national interests above political considerations, highlighting the widening political divide over the issue.

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