The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kerala, Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, has suspended Registrar Prof. K. S. Anilkumar for aligning with anti-national agenda in an attempt to turn the Bharat Mata portrait into a political controversy. The decision follows findings that the Registrar had acted unlawfully by succumbing to external pressure and attempting to disrupt a scheduled event at the University’s Senate Hall, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, where Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar was a chief guest.
The Vice Chancellor’s decision was based on an internal investigation which concluded that Prof. Anil Kumar had disrespected the Governor and violated the protocol. The suspension is seen as a significant blow to the Left-Congress alliance and various anti-national elements, including appeasement driven political groups. It is now clear that these groups had used Prof. Anil Kumar, who is associated with a pro-CPIM organisation, as a front to further their agenda.
Kerala: Governor Arlekar defies left protests, honours Bharathamba at Kerala university amid SFI-KSU chaos & threat
By: Vishnu Aravind#Kerala @rajendraarlekar @KeralaGovernor https://t.co/cpO51g4X0V
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) June 26, 2025
In the wake of the Bharat Mata controversy, Raj Bhavan sought an explanation from the Vice Chancellor regarding the incident. The Governor’s office held the view that Registrar Anil Kumar had deliberately tried to obstruct the event. Following this, the Governor demanded a detailed report from the Vice Chancellor, who submitted findings that pointed to misconduct by the Registrar.
Prior to the event, the Registrar, influenced by outside pressure, ordered the cancellation of the program without informing the office of the governor as per the protocol. Besides, the registrar filed a complaint against the event’s organizers. In response, Raj Bhavan initiated inquiries into the matter. The Vice Chancellor requested a formal report from the Registrar, especially asking for clarification on registrar’s claims that religious symbols were used during the event. The VC specifically instructed the Registrar to identify the symbols and submit the Public Relations Officer’s report.
The seminar, held at the Senate Hall and organized by the Sri Padmanabha Seva Samiti, was part of the 50th Emergency anniversary observance. The event had received prior approval from the Registrar under an agreement containing 26 conditions. One clause explicitly prohibited the display of religious symbols or rituals inside the hall.
Kerala: Are we in democratic era or Indira Gandhi’s? Governor Arlekar hit at SFI-KSU for slamming Bharatamba image
By: Vishnu Aravind@rajendraarlekar #Kerala #IndiraGandhi https://t.co/7C4tqMY2ML
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) June 26, 2025
However, before the program began, the organizers displayed an image of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag and arranged garlands, which some interpreted as religious or political symbolism. This drew the attention of the Left- Congress and Islamic groups, who raised objections with the Registrar. Responding to the complaints, Registrar Anil Kumar demanded the removal of the image, warning that the program would otherwise be cancelled.
This follows a protests from student groups, notably the SFI and congress’s student wing KSU, who gathered at the main gate of the university in opposition. Meanwhile, Governor Arlekar, escorted by police, entered the venue. He participated in the event, lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering flowers before the Bharat Mata image bearing a saffron flag. Protests continued outside as the Governor delivered his speech and later exited the premises through the back gate due to security concerns.
Hon’ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar released the book on ‘Emergency-era Atrocities’ and honoured the freedom fighters of the Emergency period at a function organised by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi at the Senate Hall, University of Kerala. pic.twitter.com/DNAIVpddZh
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) June 25, 2025
Following the incident, Raj Bhavan asked the VC for a formal explanation regarding the withdrawal of permission for a program attended by the Chancellor (Governor). In turn, the VC demanded a report from the Registrar, also questioning his decision to file a complaint with the DGP against the Sri Padmanabha Seva Samiti without prior approval. The Registrar’s suspension comes as part of the broader investigation launched in response.
The incident has caused a major upheaval within the university, delivering a sharp setback to CPIM-Congress-affiliated student bodies like SFI and KSU, who have maintained influence on the campus for years.
