THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala - The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V D Satheesan, has strongly criticized the ruling Left government and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) for recent violent protests at universities across the state. Satheesan labeled the incidents as "pure hooliganism" and accused the police of remaining silent during the unrest [1][2].

On Wednesday, a day after SFI activists stormed major universities in Kerala, Satheesan spoke out against what he perceives as a failure to protect the state's higher education system. "What took place yesterday (Tuesday) in the name of protest across the state's universities was nothing but hooliganism by the SFI. The government and the police were complicit in this violence," Satheesan told reporters [1].

The protests, led by the SFI, were reportedly against what the student organization claims are attempts to 'saffronise' higher education [1][2]. However, Satheesan questioned the legitimacy of these actions, stating, "Who exactly is the SFI protesting against? They stormed into university campuses, disrupting the functioning of these institutions" [1].

Satheesan accused the ruling Left government of supporting the violence in universities and failing in its duty to safeguard higher education in the state. He particularly criticized the police force for their alleged inaction during the protests, claiming they "acted as supporters of the attackers" [2].

The opposition leader's comments come in the wake of significant unrest at Kerala University's headquarters on Tuesday. Satheesan alleged that SFI activists "behaved like goons by attacking university staff, students who came to obtain their certificates, and destroying university property" [4].

As tensions continue to simmer in Kerala's academic institutions, the opposition's strong stance against the government and SFI's actions highlights the growing political divide over the state's approach to higher education. The coming days may see further developments as various stakeholders respond to these allegations of misconduct and governmental failure.