Published Jan 25, 2026 | 12:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 25, 2026 | 12:20 PM
An injured Congress activist in Payyannur.
Synopsis: Tensions erupted in Payyannur in Kerala as Congress activists were allegedly attacked during a protest march by CPI(M) workers. The protest was held demanding the resignation of Payyannur MLA TI Madhusoodanan, following allegations of fund misappropriation dating from 2016 to 2021.
Tensions erupted in Payyannur in the Kannur district of Kerala on Sunday, 25 December, as Congress activists were allegedly attacked during a protest march by CPI(M) workers. The protest was held demanding the resignation of Payyannur MLA TI Madhusoodanan, following allegations of fund misappropriation dating from 2016 to 2021.
The funds reportedly included contributions in the name of deceased party worker CV Dhanaraj, money collected for the construction of the CPI(M) Payyannur Area Committee office, and donations for Madhusoodanan’s 2021 Assembly election campaign, according to CPI(M) Kannur district committee member V Kunhikrishnan.
His allegations — aired publicly after years of internal complaints — have exposed rare cracks in the party’s famed culture of discipline and internal resolution.
Police reported that the clash began after CPI(M) members confronted the marchers over allegedly provocative slogans. Three Congress workers, including Payyannur Block Congress Committee president Jayarajan, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V Satheesan condemned the attack and accused the ruling party of fostering violence.
He alleged that statements by the CPI(M) Payyannur area secretary effectively encouraged attacks on protest organisers and stressed that such incidents in the CMs home district were particularly serious.
Satheesan added that the Congress would persist with its protests until appropriate legal action was taken.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Sunny Joseph called the assault an effort to deflect attention from internal party allegations and demanded the arrest of those responsible.
District Congress Committee (DCC) President Martin George echoed the sentiment, accusing the MLA of attempting to stifle dissent through intimidation, and later visited the injured activists.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) staged counter-protests defending the party against the allegations and rejecting the charges made by Kunhikrishnan.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
