‘Unbecoming of his position’: Minister Roji M. John slams Kerala University V-C Mohanan Kunnummal for attending RSS event
Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has criticized University of Kerala Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal for attending an RSS-organized event. The Minister argued that the V-C's participation is unbecoming of his office and alleged that his appointment was the result of a political deal.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing tensions regarding political neutrality in academic leadership and the influence of political parties on university appointments in India.
Keralam Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John on Monday (August 17, 2026) criticised University of Kerala Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal for participating in an event organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Thiruvananthapuram on August 15, 2026 while pointing out that it was “unbecoming of his stature.”
“There had been instances during the previous Left front government when Vice-Chancellors had attended events organised by the RSS and it is continuing. This cannot be accepted as they have to show the propriety to stay away from such political events considering the stature of the office they are holding,” Mr. John told mediapersons in Kochi.
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