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Political Fallout Over RSS Event Attended by Kerala Vice Chancellors
A recent event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has ignited a political firestorm, particularly after three vice chancellors from Kerala universities participated. This move has drawn sharp rebukes from the CPI(M) and the Congress-led opposition, who accuse these academic leaders of contributing to the saffronization of education in the state.
Bhagwat's comments came shortly after another RSS figure, Dattatreya Hosabale, suggested that while India's security must remain a priority, the nation should not entirely dismiss dialogue with Pakistan. In a May interview, Hosabale emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, stating,
“The security and self-respect of a country have to be protected... But at the same time, we need not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage them in dialogue.”
During the event, Bhagwat sought to clarify the role of the RSS, asserting it is often mischaracterized. He claimed that the organization is not political, despite many members' involvement in politics, and insisted that issues like the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the removal of Article 370 are not inherently political.
“It’s not a paramilitary organisation... It’s not an opposition to this section of society, that section of society, or any particular political party,”he said.
The vice chancellors, Mohanan Kunnummal from Kerala University, C.T. Aravindakumar of Mahatma Gandhi University, and C.R. Prasad from Malayalam University, attended the gathering alongside other RSS officials. Their presence has exacerbated tensions between the CPI(M) and Raj Bhavan, amid ongoing allegations of the saffronization of Kerala's higher education.
CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan condemned the vice chancellors' attendance, labeling it a serious issue that could undermine the secular ethos of the state. He stated,
“This is one of the notable examples of the saffronisation of higher education. It will destroy the secular fabric of the state.”He further accused the Congress-led UDF of tacitly endorsing these developments.
Kerala's Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan also weighed in, expressing deep concern over the implications of the vice chancellors' actions. He called for an apology, asserting that their participation in an event hosted by an RSS leader who promotes extreme communalism is unacceptable.
“The three vice chancellors who participated in the RSS programme should apologise to the people of Kerala,”Satheesan stated.
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