Kalady: An SFI flex banner depicting the Prime Minister in a distorted manner was displayed in front of the main gate of the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit. Following this a case has been filed against SFI activists. A central agency is also investigating the matter.  

The banner was first noticed on Saturday morning. The flex was installed as part of preparations for the union arts festival scheduled to begin the next day. Following controversy and protests by the BJP, the banner was removed.

However, later in the evening, BJP activists staged a protest in front of the campus. While the protest was underway near the gate, a two-wheeler tried to pass through, which angered the BJP protesters. When the matter was questioned, SFI activists from within the campus also came out, leading to a heated exchange of words and physical scuffles.

The police intervened to control the situation. Later, SFI activists staged a march in the town, alleging that BJP workers had assaulted them.

The BJP accused that the flex portraying the Prime Minister in a bad light was intended to incite religious discord in society. They also criticised the university authorities for not taking action against the SFI activists.

The BJP protest march towards the university was inaugurated by district president M A Brahmaraj. Police have also registered a case against BJP workers for conducting the protest march without permission.