Minister OJ Janeesh attacked in Kannur, Kerala Govt Alleges Conspiracy
The Kerala government has condemned the attack on Sports Minister OJ Janeesh, alleging a conspiracy by CPI(M) and DYFI leadership in Kannur.
The Kerala government has issued a scathing condemnation following an alleged attack on Sports Minister and Youth Congress state president OJ Janeesh in Kannur. In a strongly worded press release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the state administration alleged that the assault was not a random act of violence but a planned attack carried out by DYFI-CPI(M) workers with the direct knowledge of the CPI(M) leadership.
A Pattern of Violence Alleged
The government described the incident as "unacceptable" and claimed that the conspiracy behind the assault was glaringly obvious. According to the CMO, this is not an isolated event; rather, it is part of a recurring pattern of targeting the minister. The statement noted that Janeesh's vehicle has been a target on multiple occasions in the past.
Furthermore, the government drew a parallel between recent events and historical political violence, suggesting that the incidents in Payyannur and Taliparamba are a continuation of the same type of aggression previously directed at former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Political Unrest and "Criminal Mafia" Claims
The Kerala government has leveled heavy accusations against the CPI(M), suggesting that the party is attempting to manufacture unrest across the state to distract from its recent electoral setbacks. The CMO's statement went as far as to allege:
- The CPI(M) is operating like a "criminal mafia."
- The party is attempting to bypass democratic processes by mobilizing criminal elements and contract groups to organize violent protests.
- The violence is a strategic move to overcome a political crisis following poor election performances.
Questioning the Motive
The government has raised questions regarding the specific motivation behind the attack. It suggested that the opposition might be a reaction to Janeesh's recent leadership in a Youth Congress protest. This protest was directed against the Election Commission and the BJP government, with the state alleging that the Election Commission had acted in an unconstitutional manner.
The state administration concluded with a stern warning to the CPI(M) and its affiliated groups, stating that they cannot continue the cycle of violence that has allegedly plagued Kerala over the last decade. The government has vowed that both the perpetrators of the physical attack and those accused of orchestrating the conspiracy will be brought to justice and held accountable before the law.