Kozhikode: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), student wing of the ruling CPI(M), on Tuesday held protests against Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar in both Kozhikode and Kannur, alleging attempts to saffronise university spaces.

At Kannur University, the protest march led by SFI turned confrontational. Despite barricades erected by police, the protestors refused to disperse. Even after water cannons were deployed, SFI members stayed put.

A section of protestors breached the barricades and entered the university premises, raising slogans both inside and outside the main gate, intensifying the situation.

The protest followed the Governor’s recent visit to Kannur, where he met the Vice-Chancellor. SFI claimed the meeting was part of an effort to push saffron ideology into campuses.

A similar protest took place at Calicut University in Kozhikode. Police attempted to halt the SFI march, but the protestors stood firm. Tensions rose, and minor scuffles were reported during the standoff.

The SFI activists continued their demonstration with growing intensity and showed no signs of relenting.

Backdrop: Bharat Mata portrait row deepens rift

The demonstrations occurred against the backdrop of an ongoing tussle between the state government and Raj Bhavan, following a controversy over a Bharat Mata portrait. Two cabinet ministers had boycotted Raj Bhavan events in protest.

While the BJP supported the Governor, the state government argued that official functions must preserve secular and democratic values. They criticised the use of a saffron-flag bearing Bharat Mata portrait in place of the national tricolour.