Kerala’s universities are bracing for a turbulent day as the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has called for a statewide education strike on July 10, 2025. The protest, sparked by the arrest and remand of 30 members, including state secretary P.M. Arsho, is aimed at what the organization calls the “saffronisation” of higher education by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities. With tensions already high after recent clashes at Kerala University, the question looms: will they strike disrupt academic life across Kerala, or will it fizzle out as a symbolic gesture? This article explores the roots of the conflict, the stakes for students and institutions, and the potential fallout of tomorrow’s agitation.
The Spark: Arrests and Allegations of Saffronisation
The immediate trigger for the strike is the arrest of 30 SFI activists, including key leaders, following protests at Kerala University on July 8, 2025. The demonstrations erupted after an event attended by Governor Arlekar, where a garlanded portrait of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag was displayed. SFI labeled this a blatant attempt to impose RSS ideology on campuses, accusing the Governor of nominating Sangh Parivar supporters to university senates and undermining academic autonomy. “The Governor is turning our universities into ideological battlegrounds,” said SFI state president M. Shivaprasad in a press statement. “Our strike is a fight to protect Kerala’s secular education system.”
The controversy intensified when Vice Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal suspended Registrar K.S. Anil Kumar over the cancellation of the Governor’s event at the Senate Hall, prompting SFI activists to storm the university headquarters. Clashes with police followed, leading to the arrests that have now galvanized the student body. SFI claims the police action was excessive and politically motivated, a charge denied by authorities. “The students were disrupting public order,” said a senior police official, speaking anonymously. “The arrests were necessary to maintain peace.”
A History of Confrontation
SFI’s strike is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of student activism in Kerala, where the organization wields significant influence. With 24 state committees and a strong presence in universities like Kerala University, Calicut University, and Mahatma Gandhi University, SFI has a history of mobilizing students against policies it deems anti-education or ideologically driven. In December 2023, SFI called a similar statewide strike, protesting the Governor’s alleged moves to “turn universities into Sangh Parivar centres.” That agitation saw minimal disruption, but it set the stage for the current standoff.
The current protest also draws parallels to SFI’s nationwide strike on July 4, 2024, which targeted the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) mishandling of NEET and NET exams. That action, supported by other student groups like AISF, saw significant participation across Kerala, with marches in major cities. SFI’s ability to rally students stems from its grassroots network and its alignment with the ruling CPI(M), which critics argue gives it undue influence on campuses.
The Stakes: Academic Disruption vs. Ideological Battle
Tomorrow’s strike is expected to halt classes and administrative activities across Kerala’s universities, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut, and Kannur, where SFI has a strong foothold. The organization has urged students to boycott classes and join protest marches, including a planned encirclement of Raj Bhavan. However, the extent of disruption remains uncertain. The Kerala High Court has previously ruled that classes must continue even during strikes, with a 2023 order mandating attendance even if only one student is present. This could limit the strike’s impact on academic schedules.
Students are divided on the issue. “The Governor’s actions are concerning, but frequent strikes disrupt our studies,” says Anjali Nair, a second-year student at Calicut University. “Exams are around the corner, and we can’t afford to lose classes.” Others, like SFI member Vishnu Raj, see the strike as a necessary stand. “If we don’t resist now, our universities will lose their secular character,” he argues. Faculty members, too, are wary. A professor at Kerala University, requesting anonymity, expressed frustration: “SFI’s protests are valid, but they often escalate into chaos, affecting everyone.”
The strike’s timing is particularly sensitive, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming academic semester and ongoing controversies over university governance. The suspension of Kerala University’s registrar has already paralyzed administrative functions, and a prolonged strike could delay processes like admissions and examinations.
Political Undercurrents
The SFI’s agitation is as much a political battle as it is a student movement. The CPI(M), which backs SFI, has openly supported the protests, with state secretary M.V. Govindan addressing activists at Kerala University. He accused the Governor of acting as a “political tool” for the BJP-led central government. The opposition Congress, however, has taken a different stance. Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan condemned SFI’s actions, alleging that the organization, with state government support, was engaging in “hooliganism” on campuses. “SFI is using protests to mask government-sponsored thuggery,” he claimed, escalating the political rhetoric.
The BJP, meanwhile, has dismissed SFI’s allegations of saffronisation as baseless. “The Governor is upholding constitutional duties, not pushing any ideology,” said a BJP spokesperson in Thiruvananthapuram. The party has called for strict action against SFI activists, citing disruptions to university operations. This political tug-of-war underscores Kerala’s polarized campus politics, where student unions like SFI, KSU (Congress-affiliated), and ABVP (BJP-affiliated) frequently clash.
Potential Impact and Challenges
The success of tomorrow’s strike hinges on SFI’s ability to mobilize students and sustain momentum. While the organization has a strong base in urban centers, its influence in smaller towns and private institutions is weaker. Previous strikes, such as the one on January 29, 2025, at Calicut University, saw limited participation outside major campuses, suggesting that tomorrow’s action may not uniformly disrupt the state’s 13 public universities.
The state government faces a delicate balancing act. As a CPI(M)-led administration, it risks accusations of bias if it appears too lenient toward SFI. At the same time, heavy-handed police action could alienate students and fuel further protests. The Kerala High Court’s strict stance on campus strikes adds another layer of complexity, with potential legal repercussions for disruptions.
For students, the strike poses practical challenges. Many rely on public universities for affordable education, and disruptions could exacerbate delays in an already strained academic calendar. The ongoing tussle between the Governor and the state government over university appointments and policies has also created an atmosphere of uncertainty, leaving students caught in the crossfire.
Looking Ahead
SFI’s strike is a test of its organizational strength and the broader student community’s appetite for protest. If successful, it could pressure the Governor to address SFI’s demands, including the release of arrested activists and a rollback of alleged RSS-backed appointments. However, a poorly executed strike risks alienating students and faculty, strengthening the narrative of SFI as a disruptive force.
The larger question is whether SFI’s activism can translate into meaningful change. Critics argue that the organization’s focus on ideological battles often overshadows practical issues like fee hikes, infrastructure deficits, and exam delays. “Students want better facilities and fair exams, not just protests,” says Priya Thomas, a student at Mahatma Gandhi University. “SFI needs to balance ideology with our real needs.”
As Kerala’s universities prepare for tomorrow’s upheaval, the state watches closely. Will SFI’s campus uproar spark a broader movement, or PIEor fizzle out amid declining support? The answer lies in the streets and campuses of Kerala tomorrow.
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 7:27 pm by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 7:25 pm | News Categories: India, News, Trending
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