Kerala's political tensions have erupted into a stark confrontation over student protests and police response. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan has fired off a sharply worded letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging that the state's Congress-led government is not only permitting violent police actions against students but actively aiding the agenda of the Sangh Parivar.

Key facts

  • Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on September 5, 2026.
  • The protest involved SFI activists opposing the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the University of Kerala.
  • Vijayan claims police used lathicharge without provocation against peaceful students.
  • He alleges the state government is amending university laws to cede authority to the Governor per UGC norms.

The Incident and Allegations

According to Vijayan, students from the Students Federation of India (SFI) were staging a peaceful demonstration against the full rendition of Vande Mataram in front of a university building when police resorted to a "violent lathicharge." He emphasized there was no provocation for such force. Disturbingly, he noted that women police personnel were absent when male officers allegedly attacked female students—a move he called a flagrant violation of the law.

Historical Context and Political Charge

Vijayan rooted his protest in historical precedent, pointing out that a consensus formed during the national movement limited the singing of Vande Mataram to its first two stanzas to preserve India's societal plurality and constitutional values. This consensus, upheld for over 80 years, is now being breached by the Sangh Parivar, he claims, with the Congress government in Kerala complicit in the effort. He contrasted the Congress's national stance—supporting student protests and opposing central oppression—with its "fascist" handling of demonstrations within Kerala.

"Sonia Gandhi had expressed dismay at the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the AICC headquarters. But in Keralam, the Congress-led government is trying to appease the Sangh Parivar," said Vijayan.

Broader Implications and Call to Action

The opposition leader further accused the government of surrendering control of state-run universities to the Governor by agreeing to amend university laws in accordance with UGC norms. This, he argued, plays directly into the hands of the Centre and Sangh Parivar, granting them undue influence over academic institutions. In his letter, Vijayan urgently appealed to Kharge to intervene and restrain the Kerala government from its alleged policy of appeasement and police brutality against students.