'Stop whitewashing Centre over NEET paper leak,' Kerala minister tells VCs

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John stated on Wednesday that Vice-Chancellors (VCs) must avoid making statements to "whitewash" the Central Government's image regarding the NEET paper leak protests, noting that such attempts ultimately make their own image "ugly."

The minister's remarks followed controversial comments by Kerala University VC Mohanan Kunnummal during an event organised to honor high-achieving students, which was also attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. Addresssing the audience, Kunnummal asked students whether they were "cockroaches or lions"—a query he repeated multiple times to little response from the crowd.

When questioned by reporters about the incident, John reiterated the government's stance that administrative heads of universities should refrain from participating in political functions.

"It is unacceptable to do so. VCs should also not make comments aimed at whitewashing the image of the Centre in connection with the NEET paper leak protests in Delhi as it results in their own image becoming ugly," John stated.

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Protests at Kalady University

Addressing the recent agitations at Kalady University, the minister confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding an alleged assault on VC Ciza Thomas.

"Some arrests have been made and the police is investigating the matter. There will be a fair and accurate probe and appropriate action will be taken," he said.

John strongly criticised the agitation methods used by the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the opposition CPM labeling their actions "uncivilised."

"It was a totally uncivilised protest against a woman VC by making her coffin. A civilised society cannot accept it. Since it has become a controversy and invited severe criticism from various quarters, they are trying to justify it," the minister added.

The SFI had staged a protest on August 13 over an alleged lack of campus facilities, during which activists clashed with police personnel. VC Ciza Thomas reported being manhandled during the demonstration, leading to the arrest and remanding of four student activists. (PTI)