Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday criticised Governor Rajendra Arlekar, saying universities cannot be used as platforms to implement the agenda of the Sangh Parivar.

The controversy comes after the Governor, who is also the chancellor of universities in Kerala, issued an order directing universities to observe August 14 as “Partition Horror Day” and prepare dramas to highlight the tragedies of the Partition. Raj Bhavan said the directive came from the Centre.

Pinarayi Vijayan said the Governor’s action was “in accordance with the divisive political agendas of that Sangh Parivar” and called it unconstitutional.

“August 15 is a reminder of India’s anti-imperialist struggle and the brutalities unleashed by the British. The Sangh Parivar, which had no role in the freedom movement and served the British Raj, now seeks to undermine Independence Day by promoting divisive agendas. Kerala will never allow its campuses to be turned into stages for their divisive agenda,” he added.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan also called the Governor’s directive unconstitutional, questioning his authority to issue circulars independently. “The Chief Minister should be ready to express his protest to the Governor,” he said.

BJP leader V Muraleedharan defended the Governor’s move, arguing that observing the horrors of Partition is not linked to the Sangh Parivar.

“August 14 marks a painful chapter in India’s history. Such observances ensure that such tragedies are remembered and not repeated. The Chief Minister himself had no objection when the horrors of Emergency were remembered in June,” he said.

Kerala Higher Education Minister Dr R Bindu criticised the terminology “Partition Horror Day,” saying it aimed to “create religious hatred and a communal environment,” which she said is unacceptable in the state. She added that universities in Kerala continue to uphold secular values, and the academic community will not support any initiative that promotes division.

– Ends

Tune In