Kerala VCs Attend RSS Event, Spark Political Row
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala engaged in a war of words after several state university vice-chancellors attended a programme addressed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. The event, held in Kochi, saw Bhagwat make strong remarks about the RSS's role in the nation, further fueling the political controversy.
Bhagwat's Remarks Ignite Debate
During his speech, Mohan Bhagwat declared that "the RSS is the life force and supreme spirit of this nation". He also advised the Kerala Chief Minister not to "pick a fight unnecessarily" with the Sangh, suggesting that the state government should adopt a more conciliatory approach. These comments were met with sharp reactions from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition UDF, which accused the BJP of using the RSS to undermine Kerala's educational autonomy.
BJP Defends VCs' Participation
The BJP defended the attendance of the vice-chancellors, arguing that it was their right to participate in any academic or cultural event. State BJP leaders criticized the UDF for politicizing the matter, stating that the RSS is a respected organization that contributes to nation-building. They accused the UDF of hypocrisy, pointing out that similar events have been attended by opposition leaders in the past.
UDF and LDF Cry Foul
The UDF, led by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress, condemned the VCs' presence, alleging that it compromised the secular character of educational institutions. UDF leaders demanded an explanation from the state government, questioning whether the VCs had official permission to attend. The LDF, while not directly criticizing the VCs, reiterated its opposition to the RSS's ideology and called for a probe into the matter.
Political Fallout
The incident has escalated tensions in Kerala's political landscape, with both the BJP and UDF using it to score points ahead of local elections. The RSS chief's statement advising the Chief Minister has been interpreted by many as an attempt to assert the Sangh's influence in the state, where it has traditionally had limited political traction. The controversy is expected to continue as more details emerge about the event and the VCs' involvement.
