Kerala CM Seeks Congress Chief's Intervention Over Police Action on Students

Vijayan criticized the Kerala Police's handling of a demonstration by SFI members at a university, where students were protesting against the full rendition of Vande Mataram during official events. According to Vijayan, the students were engaged in peaceful protest when police resorted to a violent lathi charge without any provocation.

In his letter to Kharge, the former chief minister alleged that the Congress-led government in Kerala is pandering to the ideological positions of the Sangh Parivar, a characterization typically reserved for Hindu nationalist organizations. He called on the Congress leadership to intervene and restrain the state government from such actions.

The incident highlights continuing tensions in Kerala over the observance of Vande Mataram, a national song that has been a recurring flashpoint between left-wing and right-wing organizations. The SFI's opposition to the full rendering of the song reflects broader ideological differences about the song's cultural and political significance.

Vijayan's appeal to the national Congress leadership underscores efforts by opposition parties in Kerala to mobilize support against what they view as authoritarian policing of student activism. The matter has drawn attention to the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting the rights of peaceful protesters in the state.