Mohanan Kunnummal wades into controversy with disparaging remarks against student leaders

A controversy erupted after Kerala University Vice Chancellor-in-charge Mohanan Kunnummal made allegedly derogatory remarks about student organisation leaders during a programme organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.

Addressing the event, Dr. Kunnummal alleged that many leaders of student organisations were addicted to drugs and challenged them to undergo dope tests. His remarks triggered sharp reactions from student groups, particularly the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor said that people who create disturbances on campuses and in public spaces should not be seen as the strength of the country.

“When we speak about the Gen Z, they should not be misunderstood as a group that creates ruckus, hurls stones at buses, burns tyres on roads or gherao teachers. Such ‘themmadis’ (scoundrels) are not the strength of the land,” he said.

He also alleged that certain student organisations and their “goons” had earlier protested against him, adding that many of those claiming to be student leaders were addicted to narcotic substances.

“Many leaders of student organisations here are drug addicts. If they challenge me, I will ask them to take dope tests. Then we will know how many of them are addicts,” he challenged.

The remarks drew strong criticism from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). In a Facebook post, SFI State secretary Sanjeev P.S. condemned the Vice Chancellor’s comments and accused him of repeatedly insulting students and student activists.

He alleged that Dr. Kunnummal was making “baseless accusations” against student organisations out of resentment because they opposed his purported “communal and arbitrary actions” within the university. The SFI would intensify protests if such statements continued. Such remarks also undermined the dignity of the Vice Chancellor’s office, he added.