Keralam: Congress, CPI(M) leaders trade blame over clash involving SFI, DYFI, Youth Congress workers
Political tensions rise in Kerala as Congress and CPI(M) leaders clash over recent violence involving Youth Congress, SFI, and DYFI workers.
Political volatility has gripped Kerala following a violent confrontation between Youth Congress and SFI-DYFI activists in Thiruvananthapuram. The incident, which occurred during a protest march, has triggered a fierce war of words between the ruling CPI(M) and the Opposition Congress, with both sides accusing the other of attempting to destabilize the state's law and order.
The Spark: Protest Turns Into Conflict
The unrest began near the University Hostel in the Palayam area. Youth Congress workers were conducting a protest march demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar when they clashed with members of the SFI and DYFI. The violence has since spilled over into broader political accusations and further protests across the state.
Government Accuses Opposition of Sabotage
Kerala Minister K Muraleedharan did not mince words, placing the blame squarely on the Opposition leadership. He suggested that the clash was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace in the state. According to the Minister, the friction between the Youth Congress and the CPM-aligned groups is a symptom of the Opposition feeling isolated from Kerala's political landscape.
"The Opposition leadership is responsible for that incident," Muraleedharan stated, alleging that the confrontation was an attempt to sabotage the law and order situation. He assured that the Kerala government would take decisive action against such disruptions.
DYFI Vows Strong Response
On the other side, DYFI Kerala State Secretary M Vijin claimed that the Youth Congress workers were the primary aggressors. He identified specific individuals, including O.J. Janish and Shafi, as leaders of the violence. Vijin issued a stern warning that his organization would not remain passive if student activists from the SFI are targeted again.
"If the intention is to physically attack activists, DYFY is prepared to confront such actions on the streets," Vijin remarked, emphasizing that the organization would act as a protector for SFI members.
Allegations of Diversion Tactics
CPI(M) leaders have also framed the protest as a calculated distraction. MB Rajesh alleged that the demonstration against the Election Commission was a "sly tactic" designed to shift public focus away from two specific issues: a recent power cut and the deletion of a video critical of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Rajesh further questioned the decision to hold the protest in Kerala rather than in the national capital, suggesting that the leadership was attempting to avoid accountability in Delhi. He remarked, "Those who threw the burning torch should extinguish it themselves."
Police Intervention and Rising Tensions
The atmosphere remains heavy as tensions shifted to Kannur, where an SFI protest march toward the Kannur University headquarters met with police resistance. Authorities were forced to deploy water cannons to disperse activists after barricades were breached. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader KN Balagopal criticized the heavy-handedness of the authorities, noting that even protesting a simple power cut at a university hostel is now being treated as a criminal offence.