Kerala leaders criticize VCs for attending RSS event

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala over the attendance of three state university vice chancellors at an event addressed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. The leaders of Kerala University, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Malayalam University were present at the lecture series in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, June 13, 2026, which was part of the RSS's centenary celebrations.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan condemned the vice chancellors' participation, calling it a serious lapse unbecoming of their office and inconsistent with the state's educational traditions. In a statement on Sunday, June 14, he said any action encouraging communalism would not be accepted and demanded that the three officials apologize to the people of Kerala.

The state's Higher Education Minister, Roji M. John, echoed the criticism, stating that the attendance sent a wrong message and that the vice chancellors should publicly express regret for attending an event hosted by a political organization. He noted that the state government has limitations in taking action against the appointees, as vice chancellors are appointed by the Governor.

Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan...