Violence erupts at Kerala University over saffron-clad Bharat Mata at governor’s event
Student outfits SFI and KSU protested against the placement of the image, alleging it violated Kerala University norms
Student outfits SFI and KSU protested against the placement of the image, alleging it violated Kerala University norms
Student outfits SFI and KSU protested against the placement of the image, alleging it violated Kerala University norms
Student outfits SFI and KSU protested against the placement of the image, alleging it violated Kerala University norms
Even as protests continue over a controversial image of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag being displayed during an official event inside Raj Bhavan, the same image was placed at another venue outside Raj Bhavan where the governor participated. The event, titled ‘Fifty Years of Emergency’, was organised by Sree Padmanabha Seva Samiti at the Kerala University Senate Hall. The Samiti is known to be affiliated with the RSS.
Student outfits SFI and KSU protested against the placement of the image, alleging it violated university norms. KSU activists were quickly removed from the venue by police. Left-aligned student leaders and university syndicate members argued that religious symbols are not permitted at university events, and demanded the event be called off. Meanwhile, BJP and RSS supporters gathered on the opposite side, leading to a tense standoff.
Soon, a clash broke out between left workers and BJP-ABVP supporters outside the venue. Left activists also clashed with the police outside the Senate Hall as the police attempted to arrest some of the activists. In view of the escalating tension, the university registrar had informed Raj Bhavan that the governor should not attend the event. Around 6 p.m., the registrar announced that the event had been cancelled.
However, defying the advice, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan proceeded to the venue. The university registrar had earlier asked the organizers to remove the image, but the organizers refused. The governor arrived at the venue around 6:30 p.m. and lit the ceremonial lamp in front of the Bharat Mata image.
Following his arrival, police moved the protesting SFI activists outside the university gates.
The police have closed the main gate, and SFI continues to protest outside, raising slogans against the governor. SFI accused Arlekar of coming to Kerala as governor as part of a political conspiracy. SFI also called the Kerala University VC, Mohanan Kunnummal, also an RSS-affiliated VC.
The governor’s convoy is expected to leave the university premises through the back gate as SFI activists are protesting outside the main gate.