Why is ABVP Criticizing the Kerala Government After Attack on State Leader and Demanding PM Shri Yojana Implementation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ABVP protests against political violence.
- Demand for PM Shri Yojana implementation.
- Accusations of a politically motivated attack.
- Call for government accountability.
- Potential for nationwide protests.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) conducted a demonstration at Kerala Bhavan in the capital on Monday, expressing outrage over the recent assault on its Kerala state representative, E.U. Ishwar Prasad, and insisting on the rollout of the PM Shri Yojana in the state.
The student organization accused members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) of orchestrating the attack in Thiruvananthapuram on the night of June 21, labeling it a “calculated political attack” aimed at quelling dissent against the Kerala government’s refusal to implement the Center’s PM Shri scheme.
Describing the incident as “savage” and “state-backed,” ABVP demanded the resignation of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and called for stringent actions against those responsible.
“This attack illustrates the oppressive nature of the Kerala government, which resorts to violence to stifle democratic student movements,” ABVP stated.
ABVP contends that the PM Shri scheme is designed to aid underprivileged students, accusing the Left government of dismissing it purely for ideological reasons.
“Dismissing such a student-focused initiative on political grounds is not only regrettable but also undemocratic,” remarked ABVP.
The protest follows ABVP’s ongoing efforts across Kerala advocating for the scheme’s implementation.
Previously, a delegation led by Ishwar Prasad met Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty to advocate for their demands, which were turned down. Since then, the student body has organized awareness campaigns and protests, including a Secretariat March on June 17 and black-flag demonstrations in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode on June 20.
ABVP claimed that the rising momentum of its democratic campaign resulted in a “conspiracy” by the state government and its affiliated student organizations.
On June 21, Ishwar Prasad was attacked near the Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station while heading to a restaurant. He is currently receiving treatment in the ICU.
“This attack was not a coincidence but a deliberate action to undermine student leadership and resistance, highlighting the ideological emptiness of the Left government in Kerala,” stated ABVP’s Sarthak Sharma.
He warned that should the PM Shri Yojana not be enforced in Kerala and the attackers go unpunished, ABVP will initiate nationwide protests.
“If violence persists in the education sector, we will raise our voices across the country,” Sharma added.
The PM Shri scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at enhancing schools managed by Central Government/State/UT Government/local bodies, including KVS and NVS.