Kerala University Registrar Suspended Over Bharat Mata Portrait Cancellation During Governor’s Event Amid SFI Protests Alleging Saffronisation

A controversy has erupted at Kerala University following the suspension of the university registrar for cancelling a June 25 event due to the display of a Bharat Mata portrait while the Governor was present on stage. The registrar defended the suspension, stating that the Vice-Chancellor did not have the authority to suspend him and that he acted on the syndicate's order. The incident has sparked a wider debate over the appropriateness of displaying the Bharat Mata image in official settings, with some officials asserting that it is a religious symbol inappropriate for venues like Raj Bhavan, while others argue it represents all Indians and should not be disrespected. The Kerala government and Governor have been engaged in a tussle over the issue, with Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty noting that the Indian Constitution does not mention Bharat Mata. The dispute has led to protests, including by the Students' Federation of India (SFI), who allege saffronisation of universities and staged demonstrations at Kerala University, resulting in police detentions and clashes. The protests and administrative actions have intensified political and social tensions in the state, highlighting divisions over cultural symbolism and governance in educational institutions.