The newly elected district chiefs of three major parties, the Congress, the CPI(M) and the BJP, have pledged their support in the fight against the social evils such as drug abuse and ragging, which are causing concern in society.

Addressing a face-to-face programme organised by the Thrissur Press Club on Wednesday, District Congress Committee president Joseph Tajet, CPI(M) district secretary K.V. Abadul Khader and BJP president (Thrissur City) Justin Jacob spoke with caution, especially with local body and Assembly elections on the horizon.

All of them had one voice against the social evils such as ragging and drug abuse, which pollute the campuses.

Mr. Tajet stated that the people want the Congress to return to power. He said that the party would address internal issues and make necessary corrections.

“The goal is to bring the UDF to power in the upcoming local body and Assembly elections, strengthening the party from the grassroots level,” he said.

Mr. Tajet also warned against using events such as the Thrissur Pooram for political gain. He accused unholy nexus between the CPI(M) and the BJP, referencing the ED’s investigation into the Karuvannur and Kodakara money laundering cases.

Mr. Khader criticised the ED’s double standards in its investigations. He called the ED inquiry into the Kodakara scam a mere farce, pointing out that the agency had ignored the testimony of BJP’s former office secretary, Thirur Satheesh, who raised serious allegations against BJP leaders.

He questioned Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi’s commitment to development, highlighting the lack of any development projects for Thrissur in the Union Budget.

Criticising the ragging and violence among students, he stressed that campuses should be creative places. He raised concerns over the widespread drug abuse in society.

Mr. Khader also stated that Thrissur Pooram is an integral part of the region’s culture and must be celebrated without any hindrances. He noted that the Chief Minister had already called for a special meeting to address these concerns to ensure that Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in all its splendour.

Mr. Jacob expressed confidence that the success of the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in Thrissur would be replicated in the upcoming local body and Assembly elections. He assured that the BJP would stand firmly with the public on issues like drug abuse and ragging.