Overview
- Three vice-chancellors — Mohanan Kunnummal (Kerala University of Health Sciences), D. Mavoothu (Mahatma Gandhi University, VC‑in‑charge) and C. R. Prasad (Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, VC‑in‑charge) — attended an RSS centenary lecture addressed by Mohan Bhagwat held on June 13 at the Uday Palace Convention Centre.
- Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan called the participation a “grave lapse” and demanded public apologies while Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal has asked for the VCs’ resignations, framing the attendance as a breach of institutional neutrality.
- BJP leaders including V. Muraleedharan and Rajeev Chandrasekhar defended the VCs and said the RSS is a lawful organisation, accusing the state government of trying to intimidate academics and urging any rule breaches be handled through legal channels.
- Reporters said the event barred media access and, as of mid‑June, no formal administrative penalties or legal proceedings have been announced and the three VCs have not issued public responses.
- The episode revives long‑running Kerala concerns over ‘saffronisation’ of higher education and follows a 2024 policy change that removed a ban on officials taking part in RSS activities, making it likely the dispute will focus next on university rules, inquiries, and whether governors or the state take formal action.