Union election: SFI, KSU workers clash at Kerala University

Thiruvananthapuram: Tension gripped the Kerala University campus in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday night after clashes broke out between activists of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Kerala Students Union (KSU) after the announcement of the university union election results.

Police used water cannons three times to disperse the protesters as the situation escalated.According to reports, the clash erupted during the victory celebration organized by SFI after the outfit retained control of the Kerala University Union. SFI alleged that KSU workers attacked its activists and damaged a police vehicle by pelting stones. The confrontation soon intensified, with workers of both outfits engaging in stone throwing near the university gate.Police personnel rushed to the campus and attempted to separate the rival groups. As the violence continued, police used water cannons to bring the situation under control. No serious injuries were immediately reported, though tension prevailed in the area for hours.Later, CPM functionary M V Jayarajan intervened and tried to disperse the protesters. However, the SFI activists staged a sit-in on the road at Palayam, disrupting the traffic.

In the university union election, SFI secured a sweeping victory by winning 35 out of the 37 seats. SFI candidate Shiv S was elected chairman of the University union. KSU managed to win only two seats, including the vice-chairperson post retained by candidate Fathima Farha.