As the march reached Malappattam, a clash broke out between the two groups, which allegedly hurled stones and bottles at each other, leading to a tense situation that lasted a few hours.
While the Congress accused CPI(M) workers of initiating the violence and targeting senior leaders, including former PCC chief and MP K Sudhakaran, the CPI(M) has not responded publicly to the charges.
Though the police intervened and tried to disperse both groups, the clashes continued, prompting Mankootathil and others to stage a sit-in demonstration on the road.
The Congress also alleged that the under-construction Gandhi statue at Malappattam was vandalised again on Wednesday night. PTI COR TGB ARI
