Thiruvananthapuram, India – Tensions rose in the state assembly as opposition members criticized the government and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for their alleged support of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student outfit associated with the ruling party. The opposition, led by the Congress-led UDF, accused the SFI of committing violent acts on university campuses and beyond, prompting a heated debate in the assembly.
UDF members claimed that the Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, and the CPI(M) were providing political backing to the SFI, which they held responsible for various instances of violence and criminal activities across Kerala. The opposition sought to discuss an incident where a leader of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, was reportedly attacked by SFI members on the University of Kerala campus.
In response, Chief Minister Vijayan defended the SFI and accused the Congress-backed KSU of similar wrongdoings. He emphasized the need for all parties, universities, and stakeholders to collaborate in preventing violence and conflicts on campuses. Vijayan’s remarks led to the rejection of the opposition’s motion to adjourn the House proceedings.
The Chief Minister cited previous incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by the Congress party, including a bomb attack on a party center, an attempt to attack him on a plane, and damage to Mahatma Gandhi’s photo in Rahul Gandhi’s office, to counter the opposition’s accusations. He reiterated the importance of addressing campus conflicts while avoiding the distortion of facts and attributing blame solely to one organization.