CPI(M), UDF lock horns over protests against Shafi Parambil in Kozhikode

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] are coming face to face in Kozhikode district over attempts by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists to corner Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil, alleging that he was “protecting” Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been accused of sexual misconduct.

Though district DYFI leaders claimed that the organisation had not officially decided to disrupt events attended by Mr. Parambil, the MP faced the ire of local activists twice in the past week. The tipping point came on August 27, when his vehicle was waylaid by DYFI cadre as he was leaving an Onam event for differently abled children. Heated arguments followed, with Mr. Parambil stepping out of his car and alleging that the activists hurled abuse at him. However, local DYFI leaders later contended that the provocation originated from one of Mr. Parambil’s aides inside the vehicle.

Subsequently, youth organisations aligned with the UDF, along with leaders of its ally, the Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMP), including Vadakara MLA K.K. Rema, took to the streets in Vadakara and Perambra. Amid the melee, allegations surfaced that V.P. Dulkhifil, Kozhikode district panchayat member and Youth Congress State general secretary, was manhandled by the police. The Congress and the UDF view the protests as a direct attack on Mr. Parambil, who trounced CPI(M) veteran K.K. Shailaja in its stronghold Vadakara in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The CPI(M), meanwhile, is stepping up its ground-level campaign against the MP, reportedly portraying him as Mr. Mamkootathil’s mentor.