LDF Holds Black Flag Protest, Hartal Against Kerala Governor In Idukki

The dawn-to-dusk hartal was declared by the ruling front in response to Khan's refusal to give assent to the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill 2023.

Amid the government versus Governor row, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan faced backlash from various youth outfits associated to Left Democratic Front (LDF) during his visit to Thodupuzha in Idukki district on Tuesday. The LDF organised a hartal as Governor Khan arrived in Thodupuzha against his refusal to give assent to Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill 2023.

As the Governor arrived in the hill district to participate in an event organized by the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti, a group of Left activists attempted to obstruct his vehicle, showing black flags as a form of protest.

The protests, led by activists from Left Front's youth organizations, including the Students Federation of India (SFI), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), and Youth Front, intensified as they marched toward the venue where the Governor was scheduled to attend the program.

Earlier, local leaders and activists from the CPI(M)'s Idukki unit conducted a march against Khan's visit to the district.

During the march, some protesters allegedly raised objectionable slogans against Khan.

The dawn-to-dusk hartal was declared by the ruling front in response to Khan's refusal to give assent to the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill 2023.

In the initial hours of the hartal, many shops remained closed, and the number of vehicles on the roads was relatively low in the high-range district.

The LDF had previously announced a march to Raj Bhavan on January 9, after which the Governor reportedly agreed to attend an event of the Samiti, an umbrella organization of traders, in Thodupuzha.

In response to the Governor's decision, the CPI(M)-led ruling front declared a hartal in the district on the same day.

Amidst the conflict between Khan and the LDF government, M M Mani, a senior CPI(M) leader and former minister from Idukki, was purportedly involved in a verbal altercation with the Governor over his refusal to give assent to the Bill.