Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Kerala Universities Face Student Backlash Over Pradhan Praise
Students in Kerala are upset with their universities for two reasons.
First, the Central University of Kerala praised a former education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, which students say is wrong.
Second, the universities want to remove posters made by students that show a cockroach, which is the symbol of a student movement.
The students refuse to take down the posters, saying it's their right to express their views.
The education minister of Kerala also thinks the university's praise for Pradhan is not appropriate.
Central University of Kerala praised Dharmendra Pradhan, sparking student backlash.
Students call the praise 'saffronisation' and criticize the university's stance.
Mahatma Gandhi University ordered the removal of posters featuring the Cockroach Janta Party mascot.
Students refuse to remove the posters, seeing them as political expression.
Kerala education minister N. Shamsudheen terms the university's move inappropriate.
- Who
- Students and university authorities in Kerala
- What
- Controversy over praise for Dharmendra Pradhan and removal of political posters
- When
- Recent, specific date not mentioned
- Where
- Central University of Kerala (Kasaragod) and Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam)
- Why
- Students perceive the praise as inappropriate and the poster removal as censorship
Students and Opposition
University Authorities
Praise for Dharmendra Pradhan
Students and Opposition
Students criticize the university for praising Pradhan, calling it inappropriate and a sign of 'saffronisation'.
University Authorities
The Central University of Kerala appreciates Pradhan's services to the nation and higher education.
Removal of Posters
Students and Opposition
Students refuse to remove posters featuring the Cockroach Janta Party mascot, seeing them as political expression.
University Authorities
University authorities order the removal of posters citing a prohibition on political content in university-funded events.
- Universities Involved
- Central University of Kerala (CUK), Mahatma Gandhi University
- Controversial Figure
- Dharmendra Pradhan
- Student Union Chairman
- M. Abhinav
- Kerala Education Minister
- N. Shamsudheen
- Student Critic
- Syed Ali Reza Naqvi