Thiruvananthapuram: The participation of three Vice-Chancellors from universities in Kerala at a lecture programme attended by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has triggered a political controversy in the state.

Reports indicate that the Vice-Chancellors attended the event as organisers of the RSS centenary celebrations. Those present included Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice-Chancellor of the Health University; Dr D. Mathew of Mahatma Gandhi University; and Dr C.R. Prasad, who is holding additional charge as Vice-Chancellor of Malayalam University. All three were present at the Sangh Parivar event.

Among them, Dr Mathew is reportedly associated with the BJP teachers’ organisation. Dr C.R. Prasad, who retired from service on 31 May, has continued in his role as Vice-Chancellor of Malayalam University on an additional charge basis.

Prasad, who was earlier linked to Left-affiliated teachers’ organisations, is now reported to be a BJP sympathiser.

Reacting to the development, CPMState Secretary M.V. Govindan described the participation of the Vice-Chancellors at the Sangh Parivar event as “extremely serious”. He alleged that it marked a significant step towards the “saffronisation” of the higher education sector and undermined secular principles.

Govindan also accused the Congress-led UDF of supporting such developments. He demanded a clear response from the Higher Education Minister and called for democratic resistance against what he described as moves with a communal agenda.