The Students Federation of India (SFI), the student organization affiliated with the ruling CPI(M), organized an extensive demonstration on Saturday in front of Calicut University, coinciding with the scheduled visit of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The Governor, who is expected to attend various events during his stay in the coming days, faced a vehement protest from SFI members, led by state secretary PM Arsho and President Anusree. Notably, the protest was staged in response to the SFI's allegations that Governor Khan, in his capacity as the Chancellor of state universities, has been favoring BJP-RSS nominees for senate positions, a claim that has triggered widespread SFI protests across the state.
Amidst the demonstration at Calicut University, where several students, including office-bearers, were reportedly arrested, security measures were intensified by the police in and around the university campus in anticipation of the Governor's visit.
Earlier in the day, Governor Khan, in a confrontational stance, expressed his intention to stay on the university campus, challenging the SFI, which had reportedly stated they would not allow him entry. Khan conveyed this decision during a press interaction in New Delhi, asserting his readiness to face the pro-Left student union directly.
Anusree, addressing the protestors, accused the Governor of disregarding the University's recommendations and appointing nominees associated with the Sangh Parivar to the senate. She characterized the Governor's actions as authoritarian and called for the protection of secular campuses against communal influences.
Governor Khan, set to arrive at the campus at 6:30 PM, announced his readiness to exit his vehicle if confronted by protestors. He expressed his willingness to face any challenges directly and criticized what he perceived as an attempt to intimidate him.
The backdrop of the protest includes a previous incident where SFI activists allegedly attacked Khan's car during his journey to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This incident further fueled the ongoing SFI protests against Khan's role as the Chancellor, accusing him of promoting BJP-ABVP activists as senate members in various universities.
The SFI, aligned with the CPI(M), contends that Khan's actions align with the BJP's saffronization agenda, intensifying their opposition to what they perceive as an intrusion of communal forces into the educational system.
