Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has issued a stark warning in Parliament, stating that the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) is attempting a backdoor entry into India's electoral politics, posing a severe threat to national security. The MP raised the critical issue during the zero hour in the Lok Sabha on Friday, highlighting the alleged role of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) as a political conduit.
ED Report and Political Front Allegations
In a detailed statement, Chowta referenced an Enforcement Directorate (ED) press release dated November 8. He stated that the agency's findings indicate the SDPI functions as the "political front of PFI", with the banned organization actively involved in controlling, funding, and supervising its activities. This, he argued, is not a matter of partisan politics but a fundamental concern for the safety of democratic institutions and public order.
"PFI is a banned organisation. Any covert channel that allows it to influence elections undermines the unity and integrity of the nation," Chowta emphasized. He expressed particular concern for the Dakshina Kannada region and its neighbours, which he said have "paid a huge price" due to PFI's networks. He cited the recent murder of Suhas Shetty, currently under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as a grim reminder of the persistent threat from radical elements.
Karnataka Government and Local Elections Under Scanner
The MP launched a sharp critique against the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of a "tacit understanding" with the SDPI that has enabled the outfit to expand its footprint in local governance. With local body elections on the horizon, Chowta stressed the issue demands immediate attention.
He pointed to the SDPI's growing electoral success, noting it has secured several seats in local bodies across Dakshina Kannada. Furthermore, the party's influence was evident when it supported opposition candidates in pivotal positions, such as in last year's election for the president of the Bantwal Town Municipal Council. "The Congress consistently fostered such forces and remained unapologetic about its ties with the SDPI and PFI," he alleged, claiming this nexus endangers communities and allows radicalism to thrive.
Call for Coordinated Action to Safeguard Democracy
Concluding his address, Captain Brijesh Chowta made an urgent appeal to the Union Home Minister. He urged a thorough examination of the ED's findings and called for decisive steps to prevent banned organizations from resurfacing under new identities or using political parties as fronts to gain electoral legitimacy.
He advocated for a coordinated effort between central and state agencies to shield the democratic process from infiltration by extremist networks. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to ensure that electoral platforms do not become avenues for groups previously outlawed for anti-national activities, thereby preserving the integrity of India's democratic fabric.
