PFI’s backdoor entry into electoral politics threat to democracy: BJP's Brijesh Chowta

New Delhi: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta on Friday said banned organisation PFI's (Popular Front of India) backdoor entry into electoral politics poses a direct threat to national security.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha he alleged that cadres of PFI may be regrouping through the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) to re-enter public life.

He also 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.

Referring to a press release by Enforcement Directorate, dated November 8, 2025, Captain Chowta said the agency had reported that the SDPI functioned as the “political front of PFI”, with the banned organisation “controlling, funding and supervising” its activities. He described the disclosure as a “credible and significant development” that should prompt stronger monitoring mechanisms.

“PFI is a banned organisation. Any covert channel that allows it to influence elections undermines the unity and integrity of the nation,” he said.

Drawing attention to developments in his home district, Captain Chowta noted that Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring regions had “paid a huge price” for PFI’s organisational networks. He cited the recent murder of Suhas Shetty, now under National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe following the timely intervention of the Union Home Minister, 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 candidates in key positions, such as the election for President of Bantwal Town Municipal Council last year. On the issue of tacit understanding between the SDPI and Congress, Captain Chowta said that, “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.”

He 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.