Kottayam (Kerala): Mahatma Gandhi University has directed its SFI-controlled students' union to remove publicity posters carrying a cockroach image and visuals from the Delhi protests over the alleged NEET paper leak ahead of its national conference, triggering protests by the student body.

Students led by the university union's office-bearers, including its chairman and secretary, staged a protest march on the campus on Monday against the administration's directive.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), is organising its national conference from August 3 to 6.

The posters publicising the event feature the image of a cockroach along with a photograph of activist Riya Ahir standing in front of a police vehicle during protests in Mumbai over the alleged NEET paper leak. The posters were displayed on the campus and circulated on social media.

The university administration cited a July 25 circular issued by interim Vice Chancellor D. Mavoothu stating that "no politics of any kind shall be permitted in any programme conducted using university funds."

The circular also mandates prior permission for the use of the university emblem and requires publicity materials to mention the authority granting such permission.

University Union chairperson Abhinav M alleged that the administration specifically objected to the posters because they featured the cockroach symbol and referred to the Delhi student protests.

"We are not going to remove the posters. The protest in Delhi was carried out by students and has great significance in the present situation. Our programme is also for students and we have every right to acknowledge that protest," he told PTI.

He warned that the union would intensify its agitation if the administration forcibly removed the posters, adding that the union functioned using funds collected from students.

Abhinav also alleged that the interim Vice Chancellor had been opposing every initiative of the students' union and issuing circulars with "vested interests".

The controversy comes amid opposition allegations that interim Vice Chancellor Mavoothu, appointed by Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, is acting in favour of the BJP. They have also alleged that BJP supporters have been inducted into the university senate and syndicate.

Rejecting the allegations, officials in the Vice Chancellor's office said the circular was not directed at any particular political organisation or movement.

"The direction was only to implement the circular, which says no politics of any kind shall be permitted in programmes conducted using university funds. If the university emblem is used, prior permission is mandatory. Based on this, the union was asked to remove the posters," an official told PTI.

The officials said an explanation would be sought from the university union if it failed to comply with the directive.