Internal strife has intensified in Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front in the aftermath of electoral setbacks.

Binoy Viswam, the state secretary of the CPI, has trained his guns on the CPM’s Students’ Federation of India (SFI), cautioning that the organisation could become a liability for the alliance unless it undergoes significant reforms.

“The SFI members don’t know the duty of the Left Front. The SFI should be taught the history of the students’ movement. The SFI would become a liability for the Left Front if they don’t effect necessary changes,” Viswam said on Sunday.

In response, CPM central committee member A.K. Balan on Monday defended the SFI with a caution that his party wouldn’t allow anyone to “suck its blood”.

“Some see it (SFI) as a wayside drum (that can be beaten at will). If there are any shortcomings, the organisation is capable of taking corrective steps. It is not an organisation that grew in the shadow of the administration. I am saying this for everyone, whether they are within the alliance or not,” Balan said, apparently alluding to Viswam’s remarks.

Viswam, however, reiterated his stance, emphasising the need for reforms within the SFI. “I have called for necessary changes within the SFI. This must be Balan’s viewpoint too,” he told reporters.

“I too won’t allow to suck the blood of SFI. Hence I am saying, SFI should correct itself,” the CPI leader added.

CPM state secretary M.V. Govindan on Monday said people would not support the attempt to destroy SFI but admitted there had been mistakes.

“I don’t intend to justify the odd incident just because SFI members were involved in them. That needs to be corrected and should be able to proceed after correcting shortcomings,” he said at a press conference.

SFI state secretary P.M. Arsho acknowledged the criticism and vowed to accept valid critiques while cautioning against succumbing to right-wing influences. “We welcome constructive criticism from our leaders. We are open to rectifying our shortcomings. However, we urge our leaders not to fall prey to the misrepresentation created by the right-wing,” Arsho said.

Viswam also advocated for purging criminal elements from the Left movement. This call comes amid earlier criticism, including from theologian and former metropolitan of Niranam Diocese of the Jacobite Syrian Church, Geevarghese Coorilos, linking the “politics of violence by SFI” to the LDF’s recent electoral setback in Kerala, where it won just one of the 20 seats, unable to better its 2019 tally.

Rival students’ organisations have alleged that SFI cadres usually assault anyone who comes in their way in “idi muri” (Malayalam for torture chamber) they operate in many campuses they control.