BJP steps up protests across Kerala after attack on party state office, waves black flag at Minister Roji M John

The protests were held in response to a nationwide agitation called by the state unit of the BJP following the attack on its headquarters. | Photo credit: The Hindu

A day after political violence escalated and nightly clashes between party-affiliated youth organizations in the capital district — including the vandalism of the BJP state committee office Mararji Bhavan and an alleged assault on the party’s national executive committee member PK Krishnadas — the BJP and its youth wings intensified protests against the state government across Keralam on Thursday.

The protests were held in response to a nationwide agitation called by the state unit of the BJP following the attack on its headquarters.

In Thiruvananthapuram, BJP activists marched to the Secretariat to protest the Mararji Bhavan attack and engaged in clashes with the police. The protest march, which began in Pulimootil, saw activists trying to push through the barricades erected by the police in front of the secretariat. The protesters also engaged in verbal exchanges with the police as the officers tried to stop them from overturning the barricades.

BJP activists also waved black flags at Higher Education Minister Roji M. John in Chengannur. The protests erupted after unidentified persons threw bottles and stones at the BJP headquarters on Wednesday evening. Earlier in the evening, Mr. Krishnadas’s vehicle was also allegedly attacked by unknown persons.

The BJP condemned both the incidents and said in a statement that the attack on its state office “under the cover of darkness” was a challenge to the basic principles of democracy. Resorting to violence when one is unable to face one’s opponent politically is not suitable for democratic politics, the party said.

Increased political tension

The latest development follows heightened political tension after Youth Congress activists staged a protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Kollam.

Mr. Krishnadas said there was a situation in Kerala where “even the Union Home Minister’s security was compromised”.

Claiming that the BJP “did not believe in violence and only engaged in democratic protests”, he said protests would be organized in Kerala on Thursday against the attacks on the BJP.

He also said that Sports and Youth Affairs Minister OJ Janeesh, who is the Youth Congress president, is “not fit to hold the position”.

BJP State General Secretary S. Suresh alleged that the Congress was trying to destroy democracy with the help of fools and warned of a strong backlash.

BJP national secretary K. Surendran said the sports minister himself had openly admitted that the protest against Mr. Shah was orchestrated. Despite this, he questioned why the home ministry had not registered a case in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, the Mararji Bhavan attackers are yet to be identified. Police said CCTV footage was being examined.

Published – 01 Oct 2026 14:32 IST