Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu has accused Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of exploiting his constitutional role to promote a saffron-colored 'Bharat Mata' portrait, commonly associated with RSS events, thereby stirring a major controversy in the state. The move has led to escalating tensions between the Left-led government and Raj Bhavan, with protests erupting at Kerala University.

In an exclusive interview, Bindu criticized the Governor for displaying the contentious portrait at Raj Bhavan and attempting to introduce it at a university event. "Using a constitutional position to legitimize such a symbol is wrong. It’s a deliberate provocation to create unnecessary controversy," she stated, urging restraint from those in high office to avoid divisive actions. The portrait was displayed at a private religious event attended by the Governor at Kerala University’s Senate Hall, prompting Registrar K S Anil Kumar to cancel the event to prevent potential unrest.

Bindu also targeted Kerala University Vice Chancellor (VC) Mohanan Kunnummal, appointed by the Governor, for his "arbitrary and autocratic" decisions. She highlighted the suspension of Registrar Anil Kumar without due process, noting, "The VC has no authority to suspend the Registrar; that power lies with the Syndicate under the Kerala University Act of 1974." The minister accused Kunnummal of acting on the Governor’s instructions to push a "saffronisation agenda" in the university, which sparked protests by Left-affiliated groups like the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).

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The situation intensified when Kunnummal ignored the Syndicate’s decision to reinstate Anil Kumar and appointed a new Registrar, a move Bindu called "illegal." She dismissed Kunnummal’s claims of a collapsing law and order situation at the university, asserting, "Protests are common on campuses. The police are there to ensure safety. The VC’s actions are the real issue." Kunnummal had alleged that Left groups threatened physical attacks and that CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan’s support fueled "lawless" protests, claims Bindu rejected, stating, "Left student organizations don’t need external backing to protest."

Bindu also questioned Kunnummal’s qualifications, pointing out that as a medical doctor without a PhD or relevant postgraduate degree, he lacks the academic credentials for the VC role. She referenced a Kerala High Court ruling that deemed temporary VC appointments "unsustainable," supporting the government’s stance against such appointments.

The minister revealed plans to submit a formal complaint against Kunnummal’s actions to the Governor. As protests continue, the controversy over the 'Bharat Mata' portrait and the university’s leadership highlights the deepening rift between Kerala’s Left government and the Governor’s office, raising questions about the politicization of academic institutions.

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