In a scathing social media post, senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar drew parallels between the Student Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with the CPI(M), and the banned Islamist organization Popular Front of India (PFI). Javadekar accused the SFI of engaging in criminal activities, including murder, and likened its actions to those attributed to the PFI.
The BJP leader’s remarks come amidst heightened scrutiny of the SFI following allegations of its involvement in the death of a veterinary student in Kerala. Javadekar accused the SFI of targeting media channels, disrupting official functions, and even obstructing the convoy of Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
Taking to social media platform X, Javadekar stated, “SFI is PFI of CPM,” suggesting a correlation between the actions of the Left student organization and those of the banned PFI. He asserted that the SFI’s behavior mirrored that of a banned organization, drawing strong criticism from the student outfit.
Responding to Javadekar’s allegations, SFI vowed to take legal action, labeling the accusations as baseless and aimed at tarnishing the organization’s image. SFI state President K Anusree emphasized the need for evidence to substantiate such claims and condemned attempts to equate the student outfit with terror organizations.
The BJP leader’s remarks echo recent statements by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who alleged collaboration between the SFI and the banned PFI. However, Anusree refuted these claims, emphasizing the SFI’s commitment to peaceful student activism and accusing political opponents of targeting the organization for its effective work.
Regarding the veterinary student’s death, Anusree clarified that SFI had promptly expelled any members implicated in the incident and urged for a fair investigation. She highlighted SFI’s initiatives against ragging and drugs on campuses, asserting the organization’s positive impact on student welfare across Kerala.
The case involving the death of the veterinary student has sparked political tensions, with both the Congress and BJP accusing the CPI(M)-affiliated SFI of involvement. However, police investigations have led to the arrest of 18 individuals, with the matter now in judicial custody.
As the political discourse surrounding the incident intensifies, the SFI remains steadfast in its commitment to student welfare and vows to address allegations through legal means, underscoring the importance of evidence-based dialogue in such matters.
