Maharaja College witnesses high drama as SFI activists question Minister Roji mid-meeting

SFU activists protest against Higher Education Minister Roja M. John over the suspension of students at the Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University, Kalady, during the graduation ceremony held at Maharaja’s College, Kochi on Friday. | Photo credit: RK Nithin

Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam witnessed high drama on Friday (October 30, 2026) when Students Federation of India (SFI) activists staged a protest in the middle of the convocation ceremony, prompting Higher Education Minister Roji M. John to quit.

SFÚ activists reportedly disrupted the meeting shortly after the minister finished his inaugural address seeking answers from him on the suspension of 16 students of the Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University in Kalady. Activists demanded that the minister withdraw his alleged statements against those who were suspended for protesting against Vice Chancellor Cíz Thomas.

As the minister began his speech, the protesters held banners and placards. He responded that he welcomed the protests democratically. However, the tension escalated after SFÚ employees stood up to the minister on the stage and demanded answers to their questions right there.

Although the minister agreed to respond to the protesters after the event, they did not back down. The minister then said that violence in the name of protests will not be tolerated. The minister was escorted from the venue as a fight broke out among the students. The graduation ceremony continued after the minister’s departure.

Ernakulam MLA TJ Vinod, who was present at the event, demanded an inquiry into those allegedly disrupting the ceremony. “A detailed investigation should be conducted into the circumstances leading to the incident and those behind it, if any, and strict action should be taken against the culprits,” he said. The Government College Teachers Organization also condemned the incident and demanded an inquiry.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 22:22 IST