SFI holds Kannur University ‘She Fest’ despite campus ban

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) defied a Kannur University ban and held the 'Mazdoori She Fest' on Monday at the Palayad campus, with All-India joint secretary Aishe Ghosh as chief guest. The university had denied permission for the event, citing insufficient details and lack of prior approval from the Vice-Chancellor. SFI activists allegedly opened the seminar hall themselves and proceeded with the programme.

SFI district secretary Joel Thomas told Mathrubhumi that permission was denied solely because Ghosh had led student protests at Jantar Mantar, accusing the Vice-Chancellor of being 'Sangh Parivar-leaning'. However, campus director Soorej M. Basheer told The Hindu that the denial was not politically motivated, but because the application mentioned only a 'She Fest' without a brochure or notice of an external participant. He said approval from the Vice-Chancellor or Registrar was mandatory for using the hall.

SFI state secretariat member T.P. Akhila alleged the Vice-Chancellor directly intervened, linking the decision to the BJP and RSS. KSU district president M.C. Athul accused SFI of playing the 'victim card' and claimed SFI booked halls weeks in advance to block KSU events. The SFI has announced further protests leading to the university headquarters.