Kerala Minister criticizes VCs over NEET paper leak comments

Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John has criticized university Vice-Chancellors for making statements that attempt to “whitewash” the Central Government’s image regarding the NEET paper leak protests. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, John stated that such political commentary is unacceptable and can damage the professional reputation of academic leaders.

The remarks follow a controversial speech by Kerala University Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal during a student honors program. Kunnummal addressed students by asking if they were “cockroaches or lions,” urging them to aspire to be “lions” and the “embodiment of Goddess Durga.” The comments drew scrutiny after Kunnummal also made references to the “Cockroach Janta Party.”

Additionally, Minister John addressed recent unrest at Kalady University, confirming an ongoing investigation into an alleged assault on Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas. The Minister also criticized the protest methods of the Students Federation of India (SFI), describing their recent actions as “uncivilised.”