The controversial poster that carries the image of a cockroach, which was erected at the entrance of MG University campus in Kottayam.
| Photo Credit: VISHNU PRATHAP
Amid raging controversies over a series of administrative decisions, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) in Kottayam has landed in yet another row after interim Vice-Chancellor D. Mavoothu directed the removal of the poster featuring a cockroach, triggering a confrontation with the University Union.
The controversy centres on publicity material for a national conference to be organised by the University Union on the MGU campus from August 3 to 6. One of the posters depicts a cockroach standing defiantly before a boot, an image that has gained prominence as a symbol of resistance during the recent student protests.
The online promotional campaign of the event also featured the cockroach alongside photographs that have become iconic representations of the students-led agitation against the exam paper leaks. After the university objected to the online posters, the union put up a large poster carrying the cockroach image at the entrance to the campus.
Circular cited
Mr. Mavoothu directed the union to remove the posters, citing a circular issued on July 25 prohibiting political activity and political content in programmes conducted using university funds. The circular also mandates prior approval for the use of the university emblem on publicity materials and requires the name of the approving authority to be displayed.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI)-led University Union, however, maintained that the directive amounted to curbing students’ freedom of expression. “The cockroach has become a symbol of students’ protests and their rights. As a students’ union, it is our responsibility to stand with them and acknowledge their struggles,” said M. Abhinav, chairman of the University Union.
Stating that the union had no plans to remove the posters, Mr. Abhinav said the University Union fund was collected from students of affiliated colleges to support student activities and represent their interests. “The protests in Delhi were about issues affecting students. There is nothing wrong with a students’ union expressing solidarity with them,” he said.
Mr. Abhinav also contended that the July 25 circular had no bearing on the posters, as none of the five display boards installed on the campus carried the university emblem.
The union further alleged that the Vice-Chancellor’s action was politically motivated, referring to criticism over Mr. Mavoothu’s appointment by Chancellor and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar because of his association with a teachers’ organisation affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Protest march
The students’ body also staged a protest march on the campus on Monday (July 27, 2026) against the Vice-Chancellor’s directive.
The latest dispute comes close on the heels of a series of controversies involving Mr. Mavoothu, including decisions on the reconstitution of Boards of Studies and the transfer of administrative staff, both of which had drawn criticism from sections within the university.
Mr. Mavoothu was unavailable for comment.
Published – July 27, 2026 07:03 pm IST
