SFI turning antisocial with CPI(M) support, alleges V.D. Satheesan

Kerala Opposition Leader criticizes CPI(M) for promoting criminal behavior among youth through SFI, urging party to take action.

Kerala Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), accusing it of nurturing criminal behaviour among youth by offering political protection to the Student Federation of India (SFI).

Speaking to the media in Kasaragod on Friday, Mr. Satheesan alleged that the SFI has transformed into an antisocial outfit and called upon the CPI(M) to withdraw its patronage. He urged the party to advise its student members to correct their ways “before things spiral further out of control.”

He cited a series of recent incidents, including the alleged brutal assault on KSU activists, including females, by SFI workers at University College in Thiruvanathapuram following the student elections.

“Even police officers, who came to safeguard them, weren’t spared in the attack,” he said.

Referring to another incident in Ernakulam during the Bar Association’s annual function, he alleged that SFI activists disrupted the event, misbehaved with women, and assaulted over 10 people, including members of the All Indian Lawyers Union, a CPI(M) affiliated body. “This is no longer politics, this is organised hooliganism,” Mr. Satheesan said.

He further accused SFI members of involvement in drug-related and ragging case in universities and polytechnic campuses, claiming they have become active links in the narcotics network in the State.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Mr. Satheesan criticised the government’s stance on liquor and narcotics. “While the Chief Minister holds press meets claiming a crackdown on illegal drugs, the Cabinet simultaneously decides to issue liquor on April 1 and open new breweries. This is a cowardly and hypocritical government,” he said.