SFI alleges Congress-RSS understanding behind university appointments
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has accused the Kerala government of colluding with the RSS to appoint sympathetic individuals to key university positions. The SFI also criticized police conduct during recent protests and the arrest of its members.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing political tensions regarding academic autonomy and the influence of ideological groups in Indian state-run universities.
Students’ Federation of India (SFI) State secretary P.S. Sanjeev has alleged that the appointment of people sympathetic to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to key positions in Keralam’s universities is the result of an understanding between the Congress and the RSS.
Addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday (September 9, 2026), Mr. Sanjeev accused the State government and university authorities of allowing the purported implementation of “RSS policies”, while elected Ministers were being reduced to bystanders.
According to the SFI leader, people aligned with the sangh parivar were being appointed as Vice-Chancellors, Registrars and members of university Syndicates. Besides, the composition of academic bodies was being altered to suit such vested interests.
Mr. Sanjeev also strongly criticised the police response to a recent demonstration at Kerala University to protest against the full rendition of the Vande Mataram at official programmes.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in