VCs at RSS event: Minister Roji joins CM in criticism, calls issue 'extremely serious'

KOCHI: The controversy over university Vice-Chancellors attending an RSS event has intensified. After Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan criticised the participation of the Vice-Chancellors, Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has also come forward with strong criticism. The minister said that the decision of Vice-Chancellors to attend a speech by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was a very serious issue.

Roji M. John said that the position of a Vice-Chancellor represents the neutrality of a university and that such posts should not become part of ideological divisions. He added that Vice-Chancellors should have the responsibility to admit if their action was wrong and should ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have come out in support of the Vice-Chancellors. V. Muraleedharan, MLA from Kazhakkoottam, said that the RSS is not a banned organisation and accused the Chief Minister of threatening the Vice-Chancellors. K. Surendran also criticised Satheesan’s stand.