Political tensions have intensified in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district following a series of incidents involving workers and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. BJP leaders have alleged that Congress and Youth Congress workers targeted BJP leaders and attacked party property, while Congress has made separate allegations regarding attacks on its offices and local leaders.
BJP National Executive Committee member and former Kerala BJP president P K Krishnadas alleged that Congress workers attacked his vehicle while he was travelling to Neyyattinkara to participate in a BJP protest programme. According to Krishnadas, his vehicle was targeted and a window was broken during the incident. He also alleged that the incident took place in the presence of police personnel.
The BJP had organised a protest march and public meeting in Neyyattinkara following an earlier confrontation involving its Thiruvananthapuram South district president Mookkampalamoodu Biju. BJP leaders have alleged that Biju was attacked during a confrontation with Congress workers. The incident contributed to growing tensions between workers of the two political parties in the area.
Following the alleged attack on Krishnadas's vehicle, the BJP announced protest programmes across Kerala. The party said it would raise the issue through democratic protests and demanded action against those responsible for the alleged attack.
Another allegation concerns the BJP state headquarters, Mararji Bhavan, in Thiruvananthapuram. BJP leaders said unidentified persons allegedly threw bottles and stones at the party office. BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan also alleged that Youth Congress members were responsible for throwing bottles at the BJP state office. The BJP condemned the incident and described the alleged attack as a serious matter.
However, the allegations have emerged in the context of a broader political confrontation in the district. Congress has also accused BJP workers of attacking Congress offices and threatening local party leaders. The Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee office was reportedly damaged after stones were thrown at the building. The Congress mandalam committee office at Anavoor near Neyyattinkara was also reportedly set on fire. Police subsequently took a BJP worker into custody in connection with the Anavoor incident, while investigations continued into the other incidents.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan condemned the attacks on Congress offices and said strict legal action would be taken against those responsible. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also condemned the targeting of political party offices and said such incidents were not acceptable in a democratic system. Police were expected to examine available evidence, including CCTV footage, as part of the investigation.
The recent incidents followed heightened political activity in Kerala after Youth Congress workers staged a black-flag protest during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to the state. The BJP had criticised the protest and raised concerns over security, while police said the protesters were removed before the convoy arrived. The incident was followed by further protests and confrontations involving BJP and Congress workers.
The BJP has maintained that attacks on its leaders and office should be investigated and those responsible should face legal action. Congress, meanwhile, has made similar demands in connection with attacks on its offices and workers. Both sides have exchanged allegations as political tensions have continued to rise in Thiruvananthapuram.
At this stage, the allegations regarding responsibility for individual incidents remain matters for police investigation and should not be treated as established facts without official findings. The series of incidents has nevertheless prompted calls from political leaders for restraint and for law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible.
The developments have added to concerns about political confrontations in Kerala, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram district. The BJP has announced further protests over the alleged attacks, while the state authorities have indicated that legal action will be taken against those found responsible for acts of violence or damage to political offices.
