SFI organizes statewide protests in Kerala over irregularities in NEET-UG exams

Students under the auspices of the Students Federation of India Malappuram District Committee march at the Civil Station in Malappuram on Thursday (July 23, 2026) in solidarity with the student protests in New Delhi. Hundreds of students took part in the march, which was held under the slogan “Malappuram Solidarity to the National Capital Warriors.” | Photo credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), intensified its agitation against the Union government over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination by taking out protest marches across Kerala on Thursday (July 23, 2026) in solidarity with the Janata Party cockroach in Delhi.

Police use water cannons to disperse Students Federation of India activists during a march to the BSNL office in Thrissur on Thursday to protest police brutality against agitating students and demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB

Demonstrations in several districts turned confrontational as police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters who tried to march towards Union government offices and post offices.

A state-level protest march to the Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram was started by Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan. Hundreds of SFI activists took part in the demonstration, raising slogans against the BJP-led Union government and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

When the protesters tried to break through the police barricades and enter the compound, the police stopped them with water cannons. However, the activists refused to disperse and continued their protest.

In several districts

Similar protests were held in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod and other places. The police deployed large contingents and set up barricades to prevent the protesters from entering the premises of the post office and other Union government institutions.

In Kochi, protesters scaled police barricades, raised anti-Centre slogans and condemned the recent police crackdown on CJP students and activists in New Delhi. Security forces used both water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters, with some protesters reportedly collapsing during the confrontation.

In Palakkad, police used water cannons after SFI activists tried to march towards the main post office. At Kanhangad in Kasaragod, protesters jumped barricades, entered the post office premises and clashed with police personnel. In Kannur, SFI activists climbed onto a police vehicle during a march to the main post office before being removed by police with water cannons.

Protests also turned tense in Thrissur and Alappuzha as protesters refused to disperse despite repeated police efforts.

Police have taken several student protesters into custody across the state.

Published – 23 Jul 2026 20:47 IST