SFI Sweeps Kerala Campus Elections, Upholds Secular Values

Thiruvananthapuram: A wave against communalism is sweeping through Kerala’s campuses. The overwhelming success of SFI sends a clear message from the new generation: a secular Kerala will not be surrendered to communal or extremist forces. Students have thwarted the covert plans of Sangh Parivar groups and Jamaat-e-Islami, who sought to consolidate power in Kerala’s campuses. Attempts by MSF, KSU, and ABVP to seize university union control under the guise of such anti-democratic forces have been foiled. In the current context, the implications of these election results for the country are significant.

SFI made major gains in college union elections at Kannur, Calicut, Kerala and MG universities. By resisting the combined moves of KSU, MSF, and ABVP, SFI countered their attempts to monopolise campus politics. The realisation that SFI cannot be confronted as a lone force in Kerala’s campuses led to the formation of a new front, UDSF, which brought together ABVP, SIO, and other groups. This strategy was first tested at Calicut Medical College and later spread to other campuses. Media outlets highlighted such communal alliances as a “broad front against SFI’s aggressive politics.” However, the majority of Kerala’s campuses kept these forces at bay. The recent college union elections reflect this reality: KSU could not gain a foothold even in a college in Alappuzha, where the organisation was originally founded.

In recent years, MSF’s campus activities have often aligned with Jamaat-e-Islami, considering them as their “B team.” The political wings of Jamaat-e-Islami, Welfare Party, League, and Congress operate closely together.

In the recent Nilambur by-election, opposition leader V D Satheesan openly justified the Welfare Party. UDF has also held secret discussions to elevate the Welfare Party, which campaigns for religious nationalism. UDF maintains good relations with another extremist organisation, SDPI, and MSF and KSU ensure that these ties extend to campuses.

Yet, students sent a clear warning through this election that such alignments will not be accepted. Some individuals in MSF and KSU, recognising the secular aspirations of Kerala, even supported SFI candidates. Today, it is widely acknowledged that SFI embodies the hopes of a secular Kerala.

Meanwhile, there are those who cannot tolerate SFI’s victory. Such groups attempt to rig elections to advance their agenda. This was evident in the recent Calicut University department union elections. Despite being a leader of a Congress-affiliated teachers’ organisation, the Calicut VC, Dr. Ravindran, closely monitors the implementation of RSS agendas. His office accommodates not only Congress and League leaders but also a BJP leader, raising concerns that department union elections could be manipulated. The hopes of KSU and MSF to control university unions for a third consecutive term have now been dashed, driven by fear of losing influence.

Across India, several major universities are controlled by the Sangh Parivar, where students are intimidated, attacked, and elections rigged. In Kerala, however, no such attempts succeed. Even efforts to manipulate outcomes through the governor have failed. SFI’s actions against such tactics, including at Kerala University, have become historic. The massive support SFI received across Kerala’s colleges reflects the unity and undaunted spirit of students committed to a determined, non-violent struggle.