Political Controversy Erupts in Kerala Over Vice Chancellors' Participation in RSS Event
A political uproar has unfolded in Kerala as Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan demands apologies from three vice chancellors who attended an RSS centenary event. He labeled their participation a serious mistake that undermines the dignity of their positions and contradicts Kerala's educational values. Satheesan emphasized the respect associated with the vice chancellor role and criticized the involvement of these academics in an event led by a figure known for promoting communalism. This controversy has ignited discussions about the appropriateness of academic leaders participating in politically charged events. Read on to explore the full details of this unfolding situation.
Jun 15, 2026, 12:22 IST
Political Controversy in Kerala
A political controversy has emerged in Kerala following Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's demand for apologies from three vice chancellors. These officials attended the centenary celebration of the RSS, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a speech. Satheesan criticized their participation as a "serious lapse" and inappropriate for their positions. In a strongly worded post on social media, he stated that the presence of vice chancellors at the RSS event contradicted Kerala's educational traditions and diminished the dignity of their roles. He emphasized that the involvement of the three vice chancellors in the RSS centenary event, addressed by Mohan Bhagwat, is taken very seriously. Their actions do not align with the educational values of Kerala and undermine their positions.
Diminishing Respect for the Position
They Have Diminished That Honor
Satheesan remarked that the people of Kerala hold the vice chancellor position in high regard, arguing that the participation of these three academics in the RSS event has eroded public trust. He stated that the citizens of Kerala view the vice chancellor role with great respect. By attending an event led by an RSS leader known for promoting extreme communalism, they have diminished that honor. The Chief Minister also condemned attempts to justify communal politics, asserting that such actions are intolerable, regardless of who is responsible. He wrote that any activity promoting communalism, no matter who engages in it, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Demand for Apologies
Request for Apologies
Intensifying his criticism, Satheesan stated that the three vice chancellors should apologize to the people of Kerala for their participation in the RSS event. He reiterated that the vice chancellors must seek forgiveness from the public for their involvement. His statements have sparked further debate on whether senior academic administrators should participate in events organized by ideological organizations and political movements.