Synopsis
Following a protest by CPI(M) student wing members at Kerala University, Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar has requested a report from Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal. The SFI's actions stem from unresolved college union elections amidst ongoing legal disputes.Key Takeaways
- Governor Arlekar seeks a report regarding the SFI protest.
- Vice-Chancellor Kunnummal faces backlash for not approving college unions.
- Legal issues surrounding election results complicate the situation.
- Previous tensions existed between Khan and the SFI.
- Future actions by Arlekar remain to be seen.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 4 (NationPress) A day after members of the students’ wing of the CPI(M) forcefully entered the office of Kerala University Vice-Chancellor in charge Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, the Chancellor, who also serves as the Governor – Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, on Tuesday requested a comprehensive report regarding the incident.
Arlekar has instructed Kunnummal to provide a detailed account of the events.
The SFI activists are protesting against Kunnummal, as he has not permitted the colleges under the university to establish their respective college unions, despite the elections having taken place.
Kunnummal is maintaining this position because the issue is currently before the Kerala High Court.
Although the returning officer declared the SFI as the victor, he declined to issue the result notification after allegations emerged that some ballot papers were damaged by a few students.
Last week, the SFI announced an indefinite protest against Kunnummal, and on Monday, the situation escalated into violence when SFI activists stormed Kunnummal's office and conducted a dharna.
On Tuesday, the university campus remained tense due to ongoing protests, prompting Arlekar to request a thorough report on the incident.
It was last month that Arlekar, previously the Bihar Governor, and Arif Mohammed Khan swapped their positions.
Interestingly, Khan, during his time in Kerala over the past two years, had tumultuous relations with the CPI(M)-led Pinarayi Vijayan government and particularly with the SFI.
Repeatedly, SFI activists attempted to confront Khan, and on two occasions, an irate Khan exited his vehicle and was seen angrily approaching protesting SFI members, challenging his security personnel.
Khan also took a firm stance regarding Vice-Chancellors in various state universities.
Now, with the Chancellor calling for a detailed report, it will be interesting to see whether the soft-spoken but staunch RSS loyalist, Arlekar, will adopt a similar approach to Khan when addressing the SFI.
