THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India – The arrest of Kerala Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with a recent violent protest has sparked tension in the capital city, leading to allegations against the CPI(M)-led government by the grand old party. The Congress has intensified its criticism, claiming that the arrest was a “political decision” taken by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The agitated Youth Congress activists conducted a protest march to the Secretariat, prompting the police to use water cannons to disperse them. The Congress argued that if a case were to be registered against anyone for inciting violence, it should have been initiated against Chief Minister Vijayan.
The arrest of Mamkootathil and the subsequent tension has fueled allegations of animosity and vendetta against Vijayan, who was accused of settling personal scores through the arrest. The party has vowed to persist in its fight until Vijayan is ousted from power.
On the other hand, the ruling CPI(M) defended the arrest, stating that it was a “natural procedure” to maintain peace in the state. They also alleged that the Youth Congress president had submitted a fake medical certificate to obtain bail.
Mamkootathil was arrested from his house for allegedly leading violent attacks during a recent march and was remanded to judicial custody. The protests against his arrest created tension in front of the state Secretariat, with Youth Congress workers exchanging heated words with police and attempting to dismantle the barricade.
The court in Thiruvananthapuram remanded Mamkootathil in judicial custody till 22 January, after considering a medical report that indicated he had no major health issues. The protests and arrests have further deepened the political rift between the Congress and the ruling CPI(M)-led government.