In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Thrissur, Kerala, police took several Youth Congress and Yuva Morcha activists into preventive custody on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as they attempted to stage protests against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The crackdown occurred in the central Kerala district, where the activists had gathered to voice their dissent over separate issues, including the controversial Sabarimala gold-plating row and recent police actions against Congress leaders.

Five members of the Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), assembled near the government guest house in Thrissur to protest against the Chief Minister. Visuals broadcast on local television captured the intensity of the scene, showing police forcibly detaining the activists and moving them into police vehicles. The Yuva Morcha members were heard shouting slogans condemning the Chief Minister and the state government as they were taken away.

Simultaneously, Youth Congress activists were detained in a nearby area amid reports of a planned demonstration. Their protest was reportedly in response to a recent police lathi-charge in Kozhikode, where Congress MP Shafi Parambil and several party workers were injured. The incident occurred on Friday when a confrontation erupted between Congress and CPI(M) rallies at Perambra, prompting police to intervene with force.

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A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the detentions, stating, “Both Youth Congress and Yuva Morcha activists were taken into preventive custody to prevent potential protests and maintain public order.” The officer declined to provide further details on the number of individuals detained or the duration of their custody.

The detentions come at a time of heightened political friction in Kerala, with opposition groups intensifying their criticism of the state government. The Sabarimala gold-plating controversy, which has sparked allegations of mismanagement and corruption, has become a focal point for the BJP’s youth wing. Meanwhile, the Congress is rallying against what they describe as heavy-handed police tactics targeting their leaders and supporters.

Local residents and political observers expressed concern over the rising tensions, with some accusing the state government of stifling dissent. “The police action seems excessive. People have the right to protest peacefully,” said Anil Kumar, a Thrissur resident who witnessed the detentions. Political analysts suggest that these incidents could further polarize the state’s political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

The detentions have sparked outrage among opposition parties, with both the Congress and BJP condemning the state government’s response. Leaders from both parties have vowed to continue their protests, demanding accountability and transparency from the Vijayan administration. As Kerala braces for more demonstrations, the state remains on edge, with authorities maintaining a heightened presence to prevent further unrest.

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