Kerala University campus, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram | File Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University has postponed its union elections following a controversy over naming a different representative than the elected member from Christian College, Kattakada.
Instead of elected member Anagha, the college named A Visakh, who is also the area committee leader of the Student Federation of India (SFI), as one of its two University Union Councillors (UUC). A UUC has voting rights in university union elections and can also contest for posts, including chairperson.
KSU has alleged that the mix up was intentional as the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM]-affiliated students’ wing wanted to run Visakh for a union post.
The election of university union office bearers was scheduled for May 26.
In response to the incident, the college principal, Dr GJ Shaiju, stated that Anagha resigned from the post and another student was named.
Moreover, he mentioned that student politics at Christian College had been banned following student conflicts. Therefore, the election was conducted under a special commission. The candidates in question were unanimously chosen, he said.
Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, alleged that the decision to sneak in Visakh was made due to pressure from CPM leaders.
A complaint regarding impersonation has been filed with the state and district CPM leadership and Kerala University. A KSU leader said a complaint had been forwarded to the state police chief as well.
Meanwhile, SFI expelled Visakh from its duties.
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