After nearly 20 years, KSU to contest in Kerala University College elections

The Kerala Student Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, is all set to contest in Thiruvananthapuram’s Kerala University College elections after nearly 20 years. The KSU had recently formed a union in the college. The elections are scheduled on September 27.

The Kerala University College has been a stronghold of the Student Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), which has largely been elected unopposed without any prominent opponents in the last few years. KSU contestants submitted nominations to the posts on Tuesday and Wednesday. The CPI’s student wing, the All India Students Federation (AISF) also plans to contest in the elections after three years. KSU and AISF had alleged that they were not allowed to form units or contest for elections all these years by SFI, and that anyone who opposed them would be silenced in different ways. 

These elections are expected to be a challenge for the SFI as the CPI(M)’s student outfit is under the scanner after three of its leaders were arrested for stabbing another SFI member inside the campus in July. The incident opened a can of worms, with many students accusing the SFI of being authoritarian in the University College. Akhil, a 21-year-old political science student was stabbed for singing on campus. Following the arrest of SFI leaders Sivaranjit, Nizam and Pranav, who were the prime accused in stabbing Akhil, it was revealed that the three had secured top ranks in a Kerala Public Service Examination through malpractice.

Since the elections were announced, KSU leaders on campus have alleged that they face death threats.

"Even after so much discussions over SFI's goondaism in the campus, they have issued death threats to Amal Chandra, the KSU unit president in college," KM Abhijit KSU state president said by adding that colleges should be a place for friendship and love not violence as SFI considers. He alleged that it was due to SFI's violence and threats that KSU had to close down its unit in the college 18 years ago. He also equated SFI to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in terms of violence and fascism they unleash.

SFI state president Vineesh VA, however, told TNM that barring KSU many other organisations contested in the college elections previous years. "KSU had no contestants in previous years. SFI had no role in it. Election results will be an answer for all these allegations," he said.

AISF also have comes out against SFI's 'dictatorial rule' in the campus. "Two years ago, we tried to give nominations, our girl candidate was locked inside a room and they (SFI) tore her nomination paper. J Arun Babu (present state president AISF) who was then state joint secretary was attacked badly inside the campus," AISF state secretary Kabeer P alleged.

He also said that this time, AISF is confident that SFI's 'true colours' have been revealed to everyone. "Students who are in support of Left ideology will vote for us," he said.