The political battle between the BJP and the CPI(M) in Kerala has spilled over to other states, as cadres of the two parties clashed in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, and entered into a scuffle.
Around 200 members of the BJP and RSS led by BJP MLC PVN Madhav took out a rally, condemning the alleged political killings of their cadres in Kerala, and specifically in Kannur district.
Waving saffron flags and carrying placards against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the members organised a rally from the Gandhi statue opposite the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office, towards the Jagadamba Junction via Sarswati park.
As the rally reached the CPI(M) office on their way to Jagadamba junction, the BJP-RSS activists staged a protest and allegedly attempted to vandalise the office and vehicles parked at the party office.
Noticing this, several members of the CPI(M) rushed out, and workers of both parties engaged in a heated argument, as police personnel tried to pacify them.
CPI(M) state executive member CH Narsingrao said, "RSS and BJP activists led by BJP MLC from North Andhra Graduate Constituency PVN Madhav, created a ruckus in front of the party office and tried to attack us."
“Immediately, I called the Commissioner of Police and informed him about the incident. He responded to the complaint and sent policemen in five minutes,” he added.
He also said, "Though we didn't have any dispute with them, they attacked our cadre and ransacked our office. This shows their fascist nature."
He termed the attack as a continuation of the BJP's ‘violence’ across the country.
Refusing the allegations of vandalism, MLC PVN Madhav said, “Based on the call given by party leadership, we have conducted the Jana Raksha Yatra. The rally was passing through the street and did not violate the conditions of the police permission that we were granted.”
Around 30 to 40 BJP cadres along with the MLC were taken into custody after the incident and sent to II Town Police Station. Later in the evening, all of them were released.
Speaking to TNM, Inspector GV Ramana from the police station said, "Both the groups have filed complaints against each other, and cases were registered under relevant sections."
"We have also filed suo-moto case against PNV Madhav along with few others for resorting to unlawful assembly,” he added.