BANGALORE – Tensions escalated in the city today as heavy police deployment effectively blocked the CPI(M) Karnataka State Committee office, preventing a planned solidarity programme in support of Venezuela. The event was organized following recent reports of military action against the South American nation and the alleged detention of President Nicolás Maduro.
The Incident
Starting early Sunday morning, police personnel were stationed at the entrances of the party office, citing "law and order" concerns. Organizers and party members were reportedly restricted from entering or leaving the premises to proceed with the scheduled protest and discussion.
The CPI(M) had called for a nationwide day of protest to denounce what they termed "U.S. imperialist aggression" and to demand transparency regarding the safety of the Venezuelan leadership.
Allegations of Undemocratic Suppression
The CPI(M) Karnataka State Committee issued a sharp rebuke of the Congress-led government, describing the police intervention as a "blatant act of intimidation."
Political Targeting: Party leaders alleged that the state government is increasingly using the police to stifle Left and democratic forces.
Freedom of Expression: Activists on the ground argued that a peaceful solidarity meeting within a party office should not be subject to such heavy-handed blockades.
Wider Context: This friction follows recent disputes between the Left and the Congress in Karnataka, including the "bulldozer" demolition rows in Bangalore and the arrest of IT-front activists in late 2025.
Government and Police Stance
While the state government has not issued an official cabinet-level statement, local police officials maintained that the measures were "precautionary" to prevent unauthorized gatherings that could lead to public disruption. However, critics argue that the scale of the blockade far exceeded standard security protocols for a political meeting.
"The suppression of voices of solidarity and the targeting of democratic forces through police intimidation is unacceptable and exposes the undemocratic character of the current administration." — Statement from CPI(M) supporters.
