Tension in Thrissur after CPI(M) protest over ED raids

The Thrissur district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) marches in Thrissur on Wednesday to protest the raids by the Enforcement Directorate at the residences of opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB

A tense situation prevailed in Thrissur on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) following a protest march led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the residence of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in the CMRL-exalogy case of the Democratic Front following the recall of the Democratic Front section.

The march led by senior CPI(M) leaders witnessed friction as activists allegedly tore up flex boards put up by the UDF congratulating the newly formed cabinet. The police intervened to stop the vandalism, which led to minor skirmishes.

Hundreds of CPI(M) workers took part in the protest, which started from the CPI(M) office and passed through Naduvilal before entering the busy Swaraj Circle, effectively blocking traffic for a considerable time. Vehicles were forced to stop and motorists honked their horns to pass before being diverted by police.

The protest was led by CPI(M) district secretary KV Abdul Khader, AC Moideen, MLA, K. Radhakrishnan, MP, former minister R. Bindu, and Xavier Chittilappilly, MLA.

“political collusion”

Addressing a rally near the corporation office, the leaders launched scathing attacks on the Congress and the BJP, alleging political collusion behind the ED action.

Mr Khader claimed the raid “revealed who did the deal”, adding: “this is a reflection of the understanding between the Congress and the BJP at the Centre. The details of the meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister VD Satheesan should be made public.”

Accusing the Center of arming agencies, Ms. Bindu said, “ED has been reduced to an instrument of coercion. The Modi-VD-ED nexus has now come to light.” Mr. Radhakrishnan called the raid a “political conspiracy” and claimed that “there are forces behind it who want to wipe out the Left. The CPI(M) may lose the election but it will not back down from the fight.”

Echoing the charge, Mr Moideen termed the ED raid as “politically motivated and agenda driven” and alleged that “attempts to weaken Leftist politics in Kerala are being made through coordinated moves”.

CPI(M) leaders also said they would intensify protests against the Sangh Parivar-led agenda and continue to mobilize public opposition.

Published – 27 May 2026 20:51 IST