BJP Keralam submitted a memorandum before Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekkar on October 3, stating that state Sports Minister O.J. Jenish violated the Constitution and the oath he had taken as a minister by allegedly instructing Youth Congress workers to stage a black flag protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 26 near Kollam Ashramam Grounds. The BJP petitioned for Constitutional action against Jenish and sought his removal from the position of minister, alleging that he was involved in the conspiracy that resulted in a security breach near the Home Minister’s convoy.
The BJP delegation was led by national executive member P.K. Krishnadas. Krishnadas pointed out that Minister Jenish had committed a flagrant violation of the Constitution and the oath. He demanded Constitutional action against the minister.
BJP leaders stated that Minister O.J. Jenish had publicly admitted that he himself had given instructions to Youth Congress men to stage the black flag protest against the Union Home Minister.
According to a representation dated October 2 submitted by BJP Keralam State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar to the Governor, the party has specifically sought intervention in connection with Crime No. 1984/2026 registered at Kollam East Police Station over the incident. The representation states that four persons stated to be Youth Congress members were booked after allegedly attempting to obstruct the Home Minister’s convoy with the intention of creating a riot and endangering his safety.
The representation further points to Jenish’s position as the State Youth Congress president and alleges that he posted videos from the scene of the incident and referred to an organisational decision in connection with the protest. The post was subsequently deleted, according to the complaint cited in the representation. BJP said these circumstances raise questions about the minister’s prior knowledge of the incident and his alleged involvement in its abetment or conspiracy.
The representation also alleges that the jurisdictional police have not made the minister a co-accused by invoking the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2025. It expressed apprehension that the minister’s position and influence could affect the ongoing investigation.
Krishnadas alleged that, as a responsible minister, Jenish had a constitutional and administrative duty to inform the police after becoming aware of the planned protest, particularly as it involved a VVIP movement. By failing to do so and instead allowing the protest to take place near the convoy, Jenish breached his oath and endangered the security of the Union Home Minister and the lives of several people travelling in the convoy, allegedly for political gains. Since Jenish had also publicly stated that he took full responsibility for the incident, Krishnadas alleged that his role warranted investigation as part of the conspiracy behind the security breach.
The BJP representation states that a minister is constitutionally bound to uphold the Constitution and the law and discharge the duties of office faithfully. It further states that if allegations regarding prior knowledge, failure to communicate material information to law-enforcement authorities, or participation in the commission or abetment of the alleged offences are substantiated, they would raise serious questions regarding the minister’s continued holding of constitutional office and adherence to his oath.
The black flag demonstration by Youth Congress men against Home Minister Amit Shah took place on September 26 near Kollam Ashramam Grounds.
Amit Shah was coming out from the helipad to go to inaugurate a programme in Kundara and then to address the 73rd birthday celebrations of Amrithanandamayi Devi, alias Amma.
The Youth Congress men were led by state working president Binu Chulliyil. The protesters could go near the convoy of the Home Minister, resulting in a security lapse.
There is unconfirmed news that about eight protesters had been taken into custody from the spot of the occurrence. However, BJP leaders allege that the state Home Ministry has not taken any steps to register an FIR or taken appropriate action against the accused. The protest was the result of an official decision of the Youth Congress leadership.
In its representation, BJP Keralam has sought a detailed report from the competent law-enforcement authorities on Crime No. 1984/2026 and the investigation conducted into it. It has also sought a report from the Chief Minister regarding the allegations against the minister and the alleged breach of ministerial oath.
The BJP has further asked the Governor to examine whether the conduct alleged against Jenish is consistent with his constitutional oath and to take such Constitutional action as may be permissible under law. The representation specifically requests consideration of the question of withdrawal of the Governor’s constitutional pleasure under Article 164 of the Constitution of India, in consultation with the Chief Minister, if the circumstances and law warrant such action.
The representation was accompanied by a copy of the FIR registered in Crime No. 1984/2026 at Kollam East Police Station.
As a protest against the inaction of the police department, workers of BJP and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha have been carrying out black flag protests against Congress ministers throughout the state.
