Protests erupt after RSS-BJP man’s alleged attack on children’s Christmas carol group in Kerala’s Palakkad

Widespread protests have erupted following an alleged attack on a children’s Christmas carol by an RSS-BJP worker at Kalandithara, Pudussery, in Palakkad district of Kerala on Sunday (December 21, 2025) night.

RSS-BJP worker Aswin Raj allegedly assaulted the children who participated in the carol and damaged their musical instrument. The band used by the carol group belonged to the CPI(M) area committee. The police arrested Mr. Raj following a complaint.

Protest carols by DYFI

Condemning the attack, the DYFI announced that it would organise protest carols across the district. All 2,500 DYFI units will take out carols, it said. Challenging the RSS and the BJP to prevent or disrupt the protest carols, the DYFI warned that it would “respond in an appropriate manner.”

BJP State vice-president C. Krishnakumar justified the attack, claiming that the carol was organised by the CPI(M) area committee and that the participants were intoxicated. He alleged that the members of the carol group had “deliberately attempted to create trouble.”

The BJP leader’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism. Describing Mr. Krishnakumar as “the Praveen Togadia of Palakkad,” the DYFI said he had “exposed his true communal face.”

Palakkad Bishop Mar Peter Kochupurackal condemned the attack, saying he hoped that “those responsible will handle the matter legally.”

The Congress, meanwhile, described the attack as the BJP’s “natural response to its failure to secure the expected support from the Christian community” in the recent civic body elections. It termed the incident “an attack on communal harmony” and demanded that those responsible be brought to book.

The police said Mr. Raj was already facing charges under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). He has now been booked under various sections, including those relating to causing hurt and promoting communal violence.