Kanhangad: A fresh controversy has surfaced in Kerala's higher education sector after videos emerged showing Central University of Kerala Vice-Chancellor Siddu P. Algur attending an RSS programme in Kanhangad on Wednesday.

The development comes just days after three vice-chancellors of state universities came under political criticism for taking part in an RSS event attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Thiruvananthapuram.

Visuals circulating on social media show Algur attending the programme as a chief guest at a private hotel in Kanhangad. RSS leaders and workers were present at the event, which also included a screening of a film tracing the organisation's history.

Reports said the university's Registrar-in-Charge was also present alongside the vice-chancellor.

According to those reports, both officials remained at the venue for the duration of the programme.

Videos shared online show RSS leaders welcoming Algur with a ceremonial shawl before the event proceedings began.

Earlier RSS programme involving state university VCs drew criticism

The latest controversy follows criticism directed at Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohan Kunnummal, Mahatma Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) D. Mavoothu and Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University Vice-Chancellor C. R. Prasad.

The three attended the lecture series, '100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons', organised in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the RSS centenary celebrations.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan and Higher Education Minister Roji M. John criticised their participation and said the vice-chancellors should apologise.

Vijayan described the episode as an example of what he alleged was an RSS attempt to exert influence over higher education institutions.

BJP then rejected the criticism. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar termed the remarks politically intolerant, while party leaders questioned whether any rules prohibited vice-chancellors from attending RSS programmes.

The emergence of the videos showing Central University of Kerala Vice-Chancellor Siddu P. Algur at the RSS event has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate over the participation of university officials in RSS programmes.