Thiruvananthapuram, India – The arrest of Kerala Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with a recent violent protest has sparked criticism from the opposition party towards the CPI(M)-led government. The arrest led to heated demonstrations and clashes between Youth Congress activists and the police in the capital city.
The Congress has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of making a “political decision” by ordering the arrest, claiming that it was a result of personal vendetta and animosity. They argued that if anyone should be held responsible for inciting violence, it should be Chief Minister Vijayan himself.
Following his arrest, Mamkootathil was remanded to 14 days in judicial custody. Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, VD Satheesan, expressed the party’s determination to continue their fight against Vijayan’s government until he is removed from power. According to Satheesan, Mamkootathil’s arrest in front of his family was a clear example of the government’s treatment of young people participating in democratic protests.
On the other hand, the ruling CPI(M) justified the arrest, stating that it was a necessary procedure to maintain peace in the state. They accused the Youth Congress president of submitting a fake medical certificate to obtain bail.
Mamkootathil’s arrest has led to widespread protests and tensions in front of the state Secretariat. The protests were a result of alleged atrocities against Youth Congress workers during the state government’s Nava Kerala Sadas program led by Vijayan.
Mamkootathil was arrested for leading violent attacks during a recent march, and the police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators attempting to breach a barricade in front of the Secretariat complex. The court remanded him in judicial custody until 22 January, based on a medical report indicating he had no major health issues.
In conclusion, the arrest of Rahul Mamkootathil has heightened tensions between the Congress and the ruling CPI(M)-led government, leading to widespread protests and criticism of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration.