Several vice-chancellors (VCs) of universities in Kerala have come under criticism after attending an event organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was present. The incident has triggered a political controversy, with both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and the Opposition Congress questioning the conduct of the university heads.
Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan criticised the participation of the vice-chancellors, saying that heads of public universities should maintain political neutrality and uphold the secular values expected of academic institutions. He expressed concern that their presence at an RSS-linked event could affect public confidence in the independence of universities.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also attacked the vice-chancellors for attending the programme. He demanded that they apologise to the people of Kerala, arguing that university leaders should stay away from events organised by political or ideological organisations.
Responding to the criticism, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the vice-chancellors, saying attendance at a public event should not be viewed as political endorsement.
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