'If Kerala University Interim VC Continues Anti-Student Stance, Protest Will Intensify,’ Says SFI State Secretary P S Sanjeev

SFI State Secretary P S Sanjeev said that Kerala University’s interim Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal, who was appointed by the former Governor, has consistently adopted an anti-student stance since assuming office. He warned that if the VC continues with what he described as anti-student policies, the ongoing agitation would be intensified.

Sanjeev made these remarks after the Kerala High Court ruled that the Kerala University Students’ Union can continue functioning until the end of its term. The union’s tenure is scheduled to conclude on the 28th of February. According to him, the earlier move to cancel the union was driven by a grudge against the student body. He also stated that the Registrar and other authorities remained silent on the issue.

He told that despite waiting for a response from the Vice-Chancellor, no action was taken, prompting the union to seek legal recourse. “It was only after approaching the court that a favourable decision was obtained,” he said. Sanjeev added that the Syndicate would be approached to secure permission to conduct the youth festival, and warned that large-scale protests would continue across university if the interim VC maintained the same approach.

Pointing out that the youth festival cannot realistically be completed within a short timeframe, he argued that the union’s term should be extended. He described the VC’s actions as vindictive and accused him of working against the interests of the university’s students.

Sanjeev further claimed that while other student organisations have not raised protests, the SFI would continue its agitation in defence of students’ rights. “We are prepared to go to any extent for the students,” he said.

He also called on Rajeev Chandrasekhar to clarify whether he supports the interim Vice-Chancellors. Alleging a political understanding involving the BJP, Congress and the Muslim League in Kerala University, Sanjeev claimed that such arrangements were influencing key appointments and decisions within the institution.