MGU asks students' union to remove cockroach posters; SFI stages protest

KERALA: Mahatma Gandhi University's administration directed the SFI-controlled students' union to remove publicity posters carrying a cockroach image and visuals from the Delhi NEET paper leak protests ahead of its national conference. However, the students led by union office bearers, including chairman and secretary, staged a protest march on the campus here on Monday.

SFI is the student wing of CPI(M). The posters, publicising the conference scheduled from August 3 to 6, feature images of a cockroach alongside a photograph of activist Riya Ahir standing in front of a police vehicle as part of protests over the alleged NEET paper leak in Mumbai.

Posters were placed on university campuses and circulated through social media platforms. The university administration cited a July 25 circular issued by interim Vice Chancellor D Mavoothu stating that "no politics of any kind shall be permitted in any programme conducted using university funds."

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The circular also stipulates that prior permission must be obtained for the use of the university emblem in such programmes and that the name of the authority granting permission should be mentioned on the publicity material. University Union chairperson Abhinav M alleged that the authorities specifically objected to the posters because they carried the cockroach image and referenced the Delhi student protest.

CJP protest in Delhi

"We are not going to remove the posters. The protest in Delhi was carried out by students and has great significance in the present situation. Our programme is also for students and we have every right to acknowledge that protest," he told PTI. He warned that the union would intensify its agitation if the administration forcibly removed the posters.

"If they forcibly remove the posters, we will continue our protests on the campus. The university union functions with funds collected from students," he said. Abhinav also alleged that the interim Vice Chancellor had been objecting to every initiative of the union and issuing circulars with "vested interests".

Also read ‘I was raised to raise my voice,’ says Rhiya Ahir who stopped a police van with CJP protesters in Mumbai

Controversy amid opposition allegations

The controversy comes amid opposition allegations that interim Vice Chancellor Mavoothu, appointed by Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, is acting in favour of the BJP. They have also alleged that BJP supporters have been inducted into the university senate and syndicate. Rejecting the allegations, officials in the Vice Chancellor's office said the circular was not directed against any particular political organisation or movement.

"The direction was only to implement the circular, which says no politics of any kind shall be permitted in programmes conducted using the university funds. If the university emblem is used, prior permission is mandatory.

Based on this, the union was asked to remove the posters," an official told PTI. The officials said an explanation would be sought from the university union if the posters were not removed.