Published May 26, 2026 | 9:03 AM ⚊ Updated May 26, 2026 | 9:03 AM
Several people were hospitalised after the SFI-KSU clash in Thiruvananthapuram.
Synopsis: Following the declaration of the University of Kerala Union election results, clashes between SFI and KSU activists turned Palayam into a battleground. Heated exchanges quickly escalated into stone-pelting, with activists from both sides hurling stones and wooden objects at each other, triggering panic in the busy city centre.
What began as rival victory demonstrations following the University of Kerala Union election results descended into chaotic scenes in the heart of the state’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, late on Monday, 25 May, as clashes between SFI and KSU activists turned Palayam into a battleground.
The unrest erupted after processions taken out by the two student organisations came face-to-face near the Palayam market.
Heated exchanges quickly escalated into stone-pelting, with activists from both sides hurling stones and wooden objects at each other, triggering panic in the busy city centre.
As the violence intensified, police intervened with repeated lathi-charges, firing tear gas shells and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the rival groups. According to officials, water cannons were deployed multiple times as the situation threatened to spiral out of control.
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The capital had remained on edge since Monday afternoon, with a heavy police deployment around the university campus amid fears of post-election clashes. Despite the security arrangements, the confrontation broke out shortly after the election results were announced.
The situation took a further turn when some activists allegedly pelted stones at police personnel after law enforcement stepped in to restore order. Several activists sustained injuries and were shifted to the hospital.
Senior CPI(M) leaders, including AA Rahim and MV Jayarajan, rushed to the spot as tensions remained high. SFI workers later staged a sit-in protest on the road, alleging that the police had acted in a one-sided manner.
Addressing the media, Rahim accused the police of targeting SFI activists while failing to act against KSU workers.
“Not only KSU but also the police are responsible for this conflict. After SFI won more seats, KSU activists attacked and pelted stones. The police did not go after them but came against our children,” he alleged.
The clash came despite SFI’s emphatic performance in the university elections, where the organisation secured 35 of the 37 seats in the union.
Later in the night, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Karthick K said the situation had been brought under control.
However, the political fallout continued, with SFI announcing a Secretariat march on Tuesday, alleging police excesses and accusing the force of shielding KSU activists. For around an hour, one of Thiruvananthapuram’s busiest junctions witnessed scenes more reminiscent of a street battle than a student election celebration.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
