Kerala: SFI Blocks Entry Of 'Sangh Parivar Affiliated' Senate Members, Appointed By Governor Khan, In Calicut University

On Thursday (21 December), Calicut University found itself in heightened tensions as members of the Students Federation of India (SFI) took a stand against a section of Senate members, citing alleged affiliations with Sangh Parivar.

The atmosphere grew charged as the protesters obstructed the gates to the university hall, selectively permitting entry only to Senate members they deemed unrelated to Sangh Parivar as reported by The Hindu.

The left-leaning student outfit emphasised its resolve, making it clear that individuals associated with Sangh Parivar would not be allowed into the Senate meeting hall.

The incident unfolded during the inaugural meeting of the newly nominated senate, a group appointed by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The situation eventually prompted police intervention, leading to the removal of the SFI protesters.

In their accusations, the SFI contends that nearly half of the recently nominated senate members harbor affiliations with Sangh Parivar, a claim that adds fuel to the ongoing ideological strife within the university.

This incident follows a series of protests by the SFI at Calicut University, with the student group asserting their opposition to what they perceive as attempts to "saffronise" the state's education sector.

The tensions were notably evident during Governor Khan's recent visit to Kozhikode, where SFI members accused him of influencing the educational landscape in a manner aligned with Sangh Parivar's ideologies.

The recurring clashes underscore the deepening ideological divides within the academic and political realms at Calicut University.