Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday strongly condemned the violence during a clash between Youth Congress and SFI activists here and warned of stern action against attempts to create a law and order situation in the state.
In a post on X, Satheesan strongly condemned what he termed the "heinous attack" on Youth Congress workers who were taking out a peaceful march demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
He said the Youth Congress was protesting against the CEC and the BJP over "serious concerns" regarding the integrity and independence of the electoral process and questioned why the Opposition CPI(M) in Keralam was "so agitated" when the Congress and its organisations protested against the saffron party.
"Why do the CPI(M) and SFI take exception when the Congress raises its voice against the Sangh Parivar," he asked.
Satheesan also said the Congress was standing firmly against what it calls "vote chori" (theft) and alleged attempts by the BJP to undermine the electoral process, and questioned why would that "unsettle" the CPI(M) in Keralam.
"Keralam has a proud tradition of democratic debate, political pluralism and peaceful protest. That tradition must be protected at all costs. Those who attempt to disrupt the peaceful life of our people will face firm and lawful action," he said.
In a statement issued by his office, Satheesan alleged that Wednesday night's violence in the state capital was a "deliberate move" carried out with the knowledge of the CPI(M) leadership and claimed the activists of its students' wing SFI had deliberately provoked the protesters.
According to Satheesan, beer bottles and stones were hurled at Youth Congress workers by SFI activists.
The CM said the Youth Congress and its affiliated organisations were protesting against the BJP and asked why the CPI(M) was "upset" when the Congress was agitating against the Sangh Parivar.
He further alleged that the BJP and it's youth wing Yuva Morcha had been attempting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the state for the past few days and described last night's violence involving SFI and CPI(M) activists as a continuation of those incidents.
He also alleged that the developments had once again shown that the CPI(M) and BJP were "birds of same feather".
The government would not allow any form of violence, Satheesan said, warning that those attempting to create a riot-like situation in the state or disrupt the peaceful life of people would face stringent legal action.
His remarks came a day after an intense street battle between Youth Congress and SFI workers in the Palayam area of the state capital.
Police have registered two separate cases against KSU/Youth Congress and SFI/DYFI activists following the clash.
The violence was reported after KSU/Youth Congress activists took out a protest march against the Union government and CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday night.
The clash broke out when the march reached near the Kerala University hostel, police said.
Youth Congress/KSU activists alleged that stones were pelted at the march from the hostel, while SFI/DYFI activists claimed that the protesters threw fire torches towards hostel inmates, police said.
The violence prompted police intervention and a lathi charge at the hostel and outside, officials said.
Meanwhile, the SFI has announced a statewide protest at educational institutions on Thursday
