‘PFI’s backdoor entry into electoral politics through SDPI is a direct threat to national security’

Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP for Dakshina Kannada, on Friday, charged that Popular Front of India’s ‘backdoor’ entry into electoral politics through Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) poses a direct threat to national security.

Raising the matter during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Capt. Chowta alleged that cadres of the banned PFI may be regrouping through the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) to re-enter public life. He criticised the ruling Karnataka government, stating that its tacit understanding with the SDPI had enabled the outfit to amplify its presence in local electoral politics.

ED’s claim

He referred to a statement dated November 8 by the Directorate of Enforcement, and said the central agency had reported that the SDPI functioned as the “political front of PFI,“ with the latter ‘controlling, funding and supervising‘ its activities. He described the disclosure as a credible and significant development that should prompt stronger monitoring mechanisms.

Stressing that his concern was not rooted in partisan politics but in the need to safeguard democratic institutions and public safety, Capt. Chowta said, “PFI is a banned organisation. Any covert channel that allows it to influence elections undermines the unity and integrity of the nation”.

He said Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring regions had ‘paid a huge price‘ for PFI’s organisational networks. The MP cited the recent murder of Suhas Shetty, a case currently under National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, as a reminder of the region’s continued vulnerability to radical elements. With local body elections approaching in Karnataka, he said the issue required urgent attention. In recent years, the SDPI has secured several seats in local bodies in Dakshina Kannada.

It even supported opposition party candidates in key positions, including the election for President of Bantwal Town Municipal Council last year. On the issue of tacit understanding between the SDPI and the Congress, Capt. Chowta said, “Congress has consistently fostered such forces and remained unapologetic about its ties with the SDPI and PFI. This nexus has endangered communities, undermined security, and allowed radical elements to thrive”.

Capt. Chowta urged the Union Home Minister to examine the ED’s findings and take steps to prevent banned organisations from resurfacing under new identities or using political parties as fronts to gain electoral legitimacy.