Kerala’s university power structure is set for a major political shake-up as the change in government threatens CPM’s long-standing dominance across key university syndicates.
The political balance inside Kerala’s universities is expected to change dramatically following the recent election results, with CPM-backed control over several university Syndicates now under threat.
At present, most major university governing bodies in the state are dominated by Left-backed members, largely due to government nominations made during the previous LDF administration. However, with a new government preparing to take charge, many of these nominated members are expected to be removed and replaced.
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The shift could significantly alter decision-making in higher education institutions across Kerala.
Kerala and Calicut Universities likely to see immediate changes
Among Kerala’s universities, only University of Kerala and University of Calicut currently have elected Syndicates alongside nominated members.
Kerala University’s 18-member Syndicate presently has a strong Left majority, with 13 members aligned with the LDF. This includes seven elected members and six government nominees.
The Syndicate also includes the Vice-Chancellor and four government-appointed officials. BJP currently has two elected representatives, while the UDF has one.
Several politically nominated members linked to the CPM, including Finance Committee Convener G. Muralidharan, are expected to lose their positions once the new administration begins restructuring the Syndicate.
At Calicut University, the 23-member Syndicate currently includes seven LDF-backed elected members, four from the UDF and one BJP representative. The balance tilted heavily toward the Left because of six government nominees and official representatives.
Those nominations are now expected to be withdrawn.
MLAs and political nominees likely to be removed
A wider reshuffle is also expected across other universities where Syndicate members are directly nominated by the government.
At Mahatma Gandhi University, former Kerala Congress (M) MLA Job Michael is expected to lose his position following his electoral defeat.
In Cochin University of Science and Technology, CPM MLA M. Vijin and former MLA CK Asha currently serve on the Syndicate. While Vijin retained his seat, reports indicate that opposition MLAs may not continue in government-nominated university positions under the new administration.
At Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, CPM-linked representatives including MLA K. Premkumar and advocate KS Arun Kumar are also expected to be replaced.
Meanwhile, the Syndicate at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University could also undergo major restructuring after CPM MLAs I.B. Satheesh and K. Sachin Dev reportedly lost their positions.
Political influence over universities back in focus
The developments have once again triggered debate over political influence within Kerala’s higher education system.
Critics argue that successive governments have used Syndicate nominations to strengthen political control over universities, while supporters claim such appointments are part of the state’s established administrative framework.
Education observers believe the upcoming changes could reshape university governance, appointments, policy decisions and administrative priorities across Kerala’s public higher education institutions.
Even universities with longer Syndicate terms, including Kannur University, are expected to witness political restructuring in the coming months as the new administration consolidates control over academic institutions.
Published: 11 May 2026, 09:29 am IST
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