Thiruvananthapuram, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Political tensions intensified in Kerala’s capital on Wednesday as youth and student wings of the three major political fronts took to the streets, with clashes, attacks on party offices and confrontations involving ministers reported at several locations.
Police used tear gas and resorted to a lathi charge as rival groups confronted each other near the University hostel in Thiruvananthapuram. The latest escalation came amid a continuing political confrontation between the Congress and BJP following recent black-flag protests involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Late on Wednesday, Youth Congress and KSU workers came face-to-face with activists of the CPI(M)-backed Students’ Federation of India (SFI) near the University hostel. Police deployed a large contingent in the area and repeatedly moved KSU and Youth Congress workers away from the hostel entrance to prevent the situation from escalating.
A confrontation subsequently broke out inside the hostel premises, where police used a lathi charge against SFI activists. Rival groups also allegedly damaged posters and banners put up by each other.
Earlier, BJP Youth Morcha workers stopped Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji at Van Rose Junction near Palayam. The protesters surrounded his vehicle and forced him to get out. When Shaji attempted to leave in an autorickshaw, the protesters stopped that vehicle as well, after which the minister eventually walked away with his security personnel.
The incident also raised questions over the minister’s security arrangements as he was reportedly travelling without a pilot or escort vehicle.
The latest developments followed a series of confrontations between Congress and BJP workers after Youth Congress activists waved black flags at Amit Shah during his visit to Kollam on September 26. The BJP and Yuva Morcha subsequently announced retaliatory protests against Congress leaders and state ministers.
The tensions spilled into Thiruvananthapuram district, where the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) office was attacked with stones, damaging its front glass panes. The Congress office at Anavoor was also set on fire. Police launched investigations into both incidents, while a BJP worker was arrested in connection with the fire at the Anavoor office.
The BJP, meanwhile, alleged that its Thiruvananthapuram South district president Mukkampalamoodu Biju was attacked by Congress workers. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticised the alleged assault and called for police action.
Congress and BJP leaders have traded allegations over the violence, with both sides blaming the other for escalating tensions. Police have said investigations are under way and that CCTV footage is being examined to identify those responsible for the attacks.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan condemned the attacks on the Congress offices and said those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. He said such methods were not in keeping with Kerala’s political culture and warned against attempts to disturb law and order.
With the SFI, KSU, Youth Congress and BJP’s youth wing mobilising amid the broader political confrontation, police have maintained a heavy presence around party offices, major junctions and the University area to prevent further escalation.
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