Kozhikode Collector Snehil Kumar Singh has refused Congress permission to conduct a pro-Palestine rally at Kozhikode Beach on November 23, according to the party’s district president, K Praveen Kumar. Singh cited a prior booking for the State government’s Nava Kerala Sadas on November 25 as the reason for denial. Praveen Kumar contested this, highlighting the venue’s history of hosting two events in a day. He accused the ruling CPM of insincerity in supporting Palestine, claiming it’s merely a ploy for votes.
State Congress President K Sudhakaran, on November 9, accused the CPM of exploiting the Palestinian cause for political and electoral gains in Kerala. Despite the denial, the CPM-led LDF organized a Palestine Solidarity Rally in Kozhikode on November 11. Praveen Kumar expressed frustration over the denial, stating that the planned rally for 50,000 people had no alternative venue.
Earlier, the District Congress president contacted the Port Officer and received verbal consent to use the beach. However, when attempting to pay the required fee to the DTPC secretary, doubts were raised, and the matter was referred to the Collector. Despite prior approval, the Collector informed them on November 13 that the event could proceed 100m away from the stage, creating logistical challenges for such a large gathering. Attempts to reach Collector Snehil Kumar Singh for comment were unsuccessful.
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