Thiruvananthapuram: The Election Commission has sought an explanation from the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Kerala University over the political lecture given by Rajya Sabha MP and CPM leader John Brittas.

Seeking a report on possible breaches of the code of conduct, the Thiruvananthapuram sub-collector specified that the speech was in violation of the registrar’s prohibition. The registrar has directed the joint registrar in charge of elections to conduct an urgent investigation and submit a report promptly.

The VC had issued written instructions to the registrar to prohibit the programme organised by the left-wing organisation of university employees, citing that the election code of conduct was in place. The VC highlighted that since university employees are involved in election duties, it was against the code of conduct for external individuals to deliver political lectures on campus. However, despite these directives, the programme proceeded as scheduled.

On Wednesday, Brittas has allegedly violated the model code of conduct by delivering a political lecture at the Kerala University campus on ‘Indian Democracy: Duties and Challenges’.

The lecture explored various political issues, with Brittas emphasising the role of universities as platforms for debate to strengthen democracy. He also vehemently criticised central policies. Later, addressing the media, Brittas characterised the VC’s actions as authoritarian and condemned them as akin to subservience.