Kozhikode school’s ‘Ganapathi Homam’ disrupted by DYFI; management denies BJP role

KOZHIKODE: Tension gripped a government-aided school in Nedumannur, Kozhikode on Tuesday night as a confrontation erupted between the school management and a large group of DYFI activists, the youth wing of the ruling CPI(M) in the state. The incident unfolded during a ‘Ganapathi Homam’ ritual, conducted as part of the school’s inauguration ceremony, leading to police intervention and disruption of the ceremony.

DYFI members alleged the involvement of BJP and RSS activists in organising the ritual, accusing the school management, headed by a family, of promoting RSS ideologies. The situation escalated as the sound of the ritual attracted attention, prompting protests from parents, CPI(M) members, DYFI, and the Student Federation of India (SFI), who argued that the school should remain secular.

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The school manager, Aruna, refuted these claims, asserting that the puja was a private family affair with no external involvement. She emphasised her family’s communist background and stated that the ritual was conducted in accordance with their personal beliefs.

“The puja was conducted as per the direction of my mother since the new block was inaugurated. My father Kurumu Veettil Nanu was a well-known communist party leader. I was born into a communist family. So, the party people targeting us is extremely unfortunate. The ‘Ganapathi Homam’ was conducted as per my beliefs. It was only me and my family who were present there,”  Aruna said.

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Police corroborated Aruna’s account, explaining that the puja was performed by family members who believed it would address issues with the school building. However, the ceremony was disrupted by CPI(M) and DYFI activists.

“The puja was performed by the family members to remove some problems they believed afflicted the school building”, said Vishnu, Thottilpalam Sub-Inspector.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) alleged that the school management has ties to BJP members, accusing Aruna’s son of leading the puja alongside local BJP activists. Thottilpalam, where the school is located, is known as a CPI(M) and DYFI stronghold.