Published Sep 30, 2026 | 10:43 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 30, 2026 | 10:50 PM
The Youth Congress protest led by Minister O J Janeesh. As it reached the University Hostel the clash began.
Synopsis: A Youth Congress march demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation turned violent near the Kerala University hostel in Thiruvananthapuram after clashes with SFI activists, prompting police to use a lathi-charge. CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam accused the police of using excessive force against students and demanded that Chief Minister VD Satheesan explain the action. CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam accused the police of using excessive force against students and demanded that Chief Minister VD Satheesan explain the action.
A Youth Congress march to the Keralam Secretariat demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar turned violent near the Kerala University hostel in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, 30 September, after a clash broke out between Youth Congress and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists.
Separately, Yuva Morcha activists blocked the vehicle of Minister KM Shaji near Vanross Junction in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday in protest against the black-flag demonstration against Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week.
The clash began as Youth Congress members assembled near the university hostel before proceeding to the Secretariat. Youth Congress leaders alleged that SFI activists threw stones and beer bottles at the marchers, injuring several members.
Youth Congress activists then threw a flaming torch, which had been prepared for use in the march, into the hostel compound. It landed on a parked car and a tree.
The two groups then threw stones at each other. Flex banners were pulled down and physical altercations broke out. There were also allegations that explosive objects were thrown from inside the hostel at those gathered outside.
Police personnel who reached the spot initially struggled to bring the situation under control. They later entered the hostel premises and resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the groups.
Senior Youth Congress leaders subsequently moved their activists away from the hostel premises. The march continued towards the Secretariat under heavy police presence.
Also Read: Keralam Police in a fix over CM VD Satheesan’s security arrangements
CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam condemned the police action against students and alleged that the police had forcefully entered the university hostel and assaulted students.
He alleged that the police adopted a lenient approach towards Youth Congress activists who created tension outside the hostel, while using excessive force against the students.
He demanded that Chief Minister VD Satheesan explain whether the police action reflected the government’s policy. He said there was no evidence of any attempt by the police to resolve the late-night confrontation through peaceful means.
Viswam alleged that the police had been given a free hand under the “oppressive rule” of the Satheesan government.
After Yuva Morcha activists stopped his car, Minister Shaji attempted to continue his journey in an autorickshaw. The activists obstructed that too and detained him for around five minutes before he left the spot.
They were protesting against the Youth Congress demonstration led by State Vice-President Binu Chulliyil on 26 September, when activists waved black flags as Shah’s convoy moved from the helipad at Ashramam Ground in Kollam. Police had detained five Youth Congress activists for staging the black-flag protest.
Subsequently, BJP workers staged protests at several places. Stones were thrown at the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee office, and an attempt was made to set fire to another Congress office.
The Congress said CCTV footage later showed the involvement of BJP workers in the incidents. The BJP, in turn, alleged that Congress workers had blocked party leader PK Krishnadas and removed the flag from his car.
The BJP has called for a statewide protest on Thursday.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
