Mahathma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam is caught in controversy after interim Vice-Chancellor D. Mavoothu ordered removal of a cockroach-themed poster. This image,now a symbol of resistance during student protests,was for a national conference set for August 3-6.
The poster showed a cockroach standing defiantly before a boot,resonating with students protesting issues like exam paper leaks . The university objected to the online campaign featuring the cockroach and iconic protest images,prompting the union to put up a large version at campus entrance.
On July 25,Mavoothu issued circular citing rules against political content in university-funded programs as reason for his order. It also required prior approval for using the university emblem in promotional materials.
But the Students’ Federation of India (SFI)-led University Union is fighting back,saying it infringes on students' expression. Union chairman M. Abhinav declared,“The cockroach symbolizes students’ protests and rights . We must stand with them.” union insists the poster stays, funded by students to back their activities.
Abhinav argued July 25 circular doesn't apply since none of the five display boards featured university emblem. He defended expressing solidarity with student protests on key issues.
The controversy deepens with claims Mavoothu's actions are politically driven . Critics note his appointment by Chancellor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar,linked to a BJP-affiliated teachers’ group,raising concerns over political influence in university governance .
In response, the University Union held a protest march on campus Monday,July 27,2026. This follows other contentious moves by Mavoothu, like reshuffling Boards of Studies and transferring staff, drawing more criticism within university.
The campus remains split over Mavoothu's directive and broader issues of student representation and political expression. Mavoothu hasn't commented on the protests or backlash.
