Kerala VC Row: Venugopal Demands Resignation Over Attendance at RSS Event

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala after three vice-chancellors of state universities attended an event addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during the organisation’s centenary celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram.

Vice-chancellors of University of Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala and Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University participated in the programme, triggering sharp political reactions across the state.

AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal strongly criticised the move, alleging that the participation of senior academic administrators in an RSS event undermines the “secular and neutral character” of Kerala’s higher education system. He accused the vice-chancellors of attempting to align universities with an ideological agenda and demanded that they resign from their posts .

Venugopal said those heading premier institutions must uphold constitutional values, academic independence and secular principles , rather than associate with political or ideological organisations. He also warned of public protests if the officials refused to step down.

The issue has escalated into a wider political row, with the Congress and the ruling Left Front exchanging sharp criticism. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan have both reportedly criticised the vice-chancellors’ participation in the RSS-linked programme.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the vice-chancellors, accusing the Congress-led opposition of political bias and selective outrage .

The controversy has intensified debates in Kerala over the autonomy of universities , the role of academic leadership, and the growing politicisation of higher education institutions .