SFI Protests Governor’s Role in Kerala Varsities, Warns of Intensified Agitation

New Delhi: The Students' Federation of India (SFI) on Tuesday accused the Kerala Governor of attempting to undermine the state’s higher education system and warned of intensified protests if such actions continue.

In a statement issued by SFI’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), the organisation alleged that the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of universities in Kerala, is interfering in university affairs in violation of established laws and democratic norms.

“The Central Executive Committee of SFI salutes the students of Kerala University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Calicut University, and Kannur University for leading massive protests against the unethical involvement of the Governor in university administration,” the statement said.

SFI claimed that hundreds of students gathered simultaneously at campuses across the state on Tuesday to register their protest. More than 25 students, including SFI Kerala State Secretary P S Sanjeev and CEC member Adarsh S K, were reportedly arrested during the protests.

The organisation alleged that the Governor is deliberately stalling the appointment of permanent vice chancellors and is instead promoting temporary appointments who “bypass democratic university bodies” and act in favour of the Chancellor's agenda.

“The BJP-RSS is using governors in opposition-ruled states as political tools. In Kerala, which has set a successful model in education, the higher education sector is under direct attack,” the statement added.

SFI also alleged that the Governor, in coordination with the BJP-RSS, is attempting to communalise the education system and destroy the secular and federal character of the universities.

“This is part of a larger plan to impose a communal agenda in the education sector. The SFI will resist any such move with full strength,” the statement said.

The student organisation warned that unless the Governor withdraws from his current course of action, “he will witness massive student protests in the coming days.”

The SFI CEC also extended revolutionary greetings to all students who participated in Tuesday’s protests.