SFI Secures Resounding Victory in Kerala University Student Union Elections

Thiruvananthapuram:The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has reaffirmed its dominance in the Kerala University student union elections, winning six out of the seven general seats. The victory is being hailed as a major endorsement of the organization's continued resistance to ideological and political interference in public education.

Ashwin S Nair of Thiruvananthapuram University College has been elected as the Chairperson, while A V Govind from Sooranad Millath College of Teacher Education will serve as the General Secretary. The Vice Chairpersons are A Arun (TKM College, Kollam) and Abhijith Raj (SN College, Chathannoor). Gatha B Rajesh (BJM College, Chavara) and Muhammed Kareem (College of Applied Sciences, Dhanuvachapuram) have been elected as Joint Secretaries. Amina Brosh of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) secured one of the Vice Chairperson posts.

The elections were held on Thursday under heavy police security, following a history of disruptions. SFI also secured majorities in other key bodies, winning 11 seats in the Executive Committee, four in the Accounts Committee, and seven in the Students’ Council.

In the previous election, SFI had swept all student union seats, with women winning all general positions—a historic first. However, the Vice Chancellor then had refused to permit the oath-taking ceremony, following an incident where ballot papers were destroyed, by KSU members. The matter was taken to the High Court, which subsequently ordered a re-election.

This year’s election process also witnessed violence. Youth Congress workers organised protests outside the campus and reportedly hurled stones at students. Several SFI activists sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the General Hospital and Medical College Hospital. KSU members were also injured in the clash. Tensions had escalated even during the nomination verification process, with KSU and Youth Congress members allegedly attempting to disrupt proceedings by attacking SFI candidates.

A Historic Mandate

The SFI State Committee described the victory as a "historic mandate" against attempts by right-wing forces to ideologically infiltrate and privatise public education. In an official statement, SFI State President M Shiva Prasad and Secretary P S Sanjeev said the results reflect strong student opposition to the fascist agenda of the Sangh Parivar and its efforts to undermine democratic student politics.

"Despite a relentless campaign of misinformation, fabricated news, physical attacks, and even alliances with drug mafia elements, the student community has stood firmly with the SFI. This result is a clear and resounding answer to all reactionary forces," the statement said.

The outcome underscores the SFI's continued influence in campus politics across Kerala and signals growing student resistance to external political interference in academic institutions.