The unusual and unbelievable has happened. The Mayor of Calicut Corporation, Prof: A.K.Premajam was attacked by some UDF Councillors in the Council Hall, when she was coming out after the council meeting was over on 15th February. A glass was thrown at her by another UDF councillor which missed her due to  turning her head and broke on the wall behind.

The Mayors of Corporations/cities are highly  respected all over the world as the first citizen of the city and given an honourable position everywhere. Smt.A.K.Premajam, Mayor of Calicut,  is a  former Principal/Professor  of several government colleges and have a large number of students who have immense respect for her. She is also a former Member of Parliament of the CPI(M) from Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency.

This is the first time that such a shameful incident has happened in the Calicut Corporation which has a shining past of 46 years.Except for 4 years, the CPI(M)/ LDF was in  power.  Council discussions might have been stormy, the ruling and opposition parties expressing their opinions strongly, but there was not even a single goondaism like this earlier. Both sides respected each other. The corporation led by the Left and Democratic Front (LDF) has implemented many projects making the city beautiful, neat  as also many other conveniences to the citizens which have been much appreciated and hence have been continuously elected to power.

This assault on the Mayor was a rude shock to the entire city. Leaders of  all political parties (except the UDF led by Congress), Trade Unions, cultural organisations, well-known citizens, students  –  all strongly reacted and protested the attack. A huge protest demonstration was held in the city on 15th February going through the main streets of the city. I also got the opportunity to be a participant. During the demonstration and the protest rally, I could meet a lot comrades and friends with whom I have worked and organised trade unions in the city including the central government employees, trade union leaders, leaders of political parties and many important persons.

Today, 16th February, a complete Bandh is organised in the city protesting against the assault on the Mayor. The bandh was a severe indictment of the hooliganism and goondaism shown by the UDF councillors. No such incidents should happen again.