KOCHI: A controversy is brewing over the decision of the SFI-led university union at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) to anoint controversial CPM leader Zakeer Hussain as the chairman of the organizing committee of the Cusat youth festival this year to be held from March 14 to 18 at the university’s Thrikkakara campus. The latest to come out against the decision is Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala while speaking at the fast undertaken in the city on Sunday by Thrikkakara MLA P.T. Thomas against law and order breakdown and atrocities against women in the state.
He said that the anointment of Zakeer, who is involved in 13 criminal cases including one of abducting a businessman, was indicative of the CPM stand on compromising security of people. Zakeer also continues to be the Ernakulam District Sports Council president. However, when contacted, Cusat union chairman Sreejesh V. Panicker told DC that the decision was taken at a meeting convened to form the organizing committee where students, teachers and local leaders were present. “Zakeer Hussain has not been convicted in any case and hence there is nothing to create a controversy over it.
Moreover, he continues to be the District Sports Council president and shows an active interest in the arts and sports affairs of the varsity. Leaders of all political parties have been involved in it. MLAs V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, M. Swaraj and Eldho Abraham and K.V. Thomas MP are patrons of the organizing committee which was constituted in the most democratic way,” said Mr Sreejesh. Students from 32 colleges recognized by Cusat and those from the Thrikkakara campus will vie for honours in the youth fest.
