Political composition of governing bodies in the University of Calicut is going to change along with a new government coming to power in the State. Officials close to the United Democratic Front (UDF) are occupying some of the top posts as well.
According to sources, the actual strength of the university’s senate is 111 members. However, as the election to some of those posts were not held for various reasons, the current strength is 75 members. Of them, 39 are supporters of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], 27 are from the UDF, eight are affiliated to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and another one is an Independent.
With the UDF coming to power, the UDF’s strength could go up to 41 members. The number of CPI(M) members may come down to 20. Because, six of them were nominated by the Left Democratic Front government. Eight others are government officials, who may have to toe the UDF line now. Another member, who was an advisor to the government in education, could also go. There are six MLAs, who are also senate members. Three of the CPI(M) MLAs will lose their posts. I.C. Balakrishnan of the UDF and P.P. Sumod of the LDF will remain in the senate, as they have been re-elected. The number of BJP supporters is unlikely to change as they were nominated by the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university.
In the Syndicate, there are 23 members at present, including the Vice-Chancellor. Twelve of them are elected to the body. Seven of the elected members are from the CPI(M), four from the UDF, and one is from the BJP. There are six government-nominated members, who will not retain their posts. Four other posts are occupied by government officials, who may follow the UDF’s stance. The post of one student’s representative is vacant now. The UDF is hopeful that it can bag the post if an election is held.
Along with this, new officials may assume key posts such as pro Vice-Chancellor and Controller of Examinations. The incumbent Registrar Denoj Sebastian demitted office on May 8 and C.D. Sebastian, Professor, Department of Zoology, replaced him.
Published – May 12, 2026 08:32 pm IST
