Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V Shivankutty on Monday went to an extent to make fun of the CPM’s student organisation SFI which has staged a protest on Monday over the dearth of Plus One seats in Malappuram district. He said, “Let them come up with a strike as they haven't done it for a long time now.” He was talking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram.

“Student outfits and trade unions have the right to strike. I am not denying their right. They haven't protested for a long time, have they? Let them get energised by protesting,” Sivankutty said.

The protesters should understand the mind of the government. The government's position is that no child should face any difficulty in getting admission, he said. 
“I don't know what they have understood. Theirs may be a misunderstanding. They will understand everything after tomorrow’s discussions with the students’ organisations. 

The Minister added that there is a political malaise and misunderstanding behind the ongoing struggle over the Plus One seat issue.

SFI had demanded new Plus One batches in Malappuram. It led a march on Monday morning to the Malappuram Collectorate raising the same demand. 

Meanwhile, MSF and KSU also took out a protest march. Activists also besieged Malappuram Regional Higher Secondary Deputy Director's Office in protest over the issue.