Congress, CPI(M) youth wings clash in Kerala amid INDIA protest plans

On September 30, 2026, tensions flared between the youth wings of India's Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) in Kerala during the planned nationwide protests against the BJP-led Union government. Activists from CPI(M)'s Youth Democratic Front (DYFI) allegedly damaged and waylaid the car of Youth Congress state president and Sports Minister O J Janeesh in Kannur. The unrest continued from Wednesday night clashes between Youth Congress and CPI(M)'s student wing, SFI.

The violence erupted as protestors gathered at the University College hostel and escalated when police allegedly lathicharged SFI activists. Following the clashes, Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the situation, later visiting the hostel premises with other CPI(M) leaders.

Both sides accused each other of provocation, with DYFI's V Vijin claiming the Youth Congress workers initiated the violence. Chief Minister V D Satheesan criticized the CPI(M) for allegedly targeting the Youth Congress, stating the attack on Minister O J Janeesh was carried out with the consent of CPI(M) leaders. Satheesan called for an end to the violence and attacks orchestrated by the CPI(M), which he accused of using mafia gangs to escape political crisis following poor performance in assembly elections.