Minister Roji John criticises SFI protest at Maharaja's College convocation
Higher Education Minister Roji M John accused activists of disrupting an academic event despite his offer to address their concerns.
Keralam Higher Education Minister Roji M John criticised SFI activists on Saturday for disrupting a convocation ceremony at Maharaja's College in Kochi on Friday. According to the Deccan Herald, the protest was directed at the suspension of student leaders at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady.
The minister stated that he had offered to answer the protesters' questions once the distribution of certificates and mementoes was finished. However, he said the activists approached the dais towards the end of his speech, which he claimed appeared aimed at creating a disturbance.
John rejected claims that he left the stage to avoid questions, stating he spoke for approximately 20 minutes and addressed the protesters before departing. He maintained that while democratic protests are permitted, there are limits that should not be crossed to protect the dignity of academic functions.
The minister described the earlier incident at the Kalady university as uncivilised, alleging that activists had obstructed Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas and entered a syndicate meeting forcibly. He clarified that the university is an autonomous body and the government has no role in its disciplinary decisions.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan claimed the minister boycotted the programme to avoid student questions. Govindan also stated there was no violence at the function and accused the police of acting against students exercising their right to protest.