Campus politics threatens students’ future: Kerala governor
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has once again renewed his criticism of student politics on college campuses, claiming that educational institutions should remain free from political activity and warning that excessive politicisation could adversely affect students’ academic future.
The latest remarks come amid an ongoing debate over the role of student organisations in Kerala’s higher education sector. Arlekar has previously directed vice-chancellors of state universities to formulate mechanisms to regulate political activities on campuses, citing court observations on maintaining discipline and ensuring that academic activities are not disrupted. He had also encouraged universities to consider codes of conduct that restrict political activities within campuses.
The controversy intensified earlier when a circular issued at the Malayalam University sought to curb student political activities and warned of disciplinary action against violations. The move triggered strong protests from student organisations, particularly the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), which described the directive as an attempt to restrict democratic student participation. Following widespread opposition, the university eventually withdrew the order.
Arlekar has repeatedly argued that universities should not become arenas for political intervention and has maintained that educational institutions must prioritise academic growth and student welfare. He had made similar suggestions during meetings with university administrators and in public interventions regarding political protests on campuses.
His position, however, has drawn criticism from student groups, sections of the academic community, and leaders of the ruling Left Democratic Front, who contend that such interventions align with a broader right-wing political approach that seeks to depoliticise campuses and weaken student-led protest movements. Critics have also pointed to parallel controversies involving the Governor’s handling of university affairs and allegations of attempts to promote ideological positions associated with the RSS within higher education institutions.
