Kerala CM's Convoy Stopped by Congress Worker in Thiruvananthapuram

A Congress functionary was taken into custody on Friday after he and a group of workers stopped Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan's convoy in Thiruvananthapuram, leading to a heated exchange with the CM.

The incident occurred as Satheesan was heading to Chempazhanthy to attend a programme marking the birth anniversary of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The group, which had organised a separate event at Chenthi, wanted the Chief Minister to attend their function as well.

Video footage shows the convoy being halted for about 30 seconds before Satheesan stepped out to speak with Anil Kumar, a Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) leader. The two were seen arguing before the CM returned to his vehicle and left. Satheesan's office said the Chenthi event was not on his official schedule.

Police registered a case against Kumar under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and obstructing a public servant from discharging duties. The FIR states Kumar confronted the CM aggressively and allegedly threatened him when asked to calm down.

Kumar denied blocking the vehicle and accused the CM of behaving like "college students fighting." He attributed the incident to factionalism within the party. Some party colleagues, including DCC member Suhail Shajahan, defended Kumar, saying no vehicles were blocked and that workers had gathered to welcome the CM.