Widespread protests erupted in Kerala after an RSS-BJP worker, Aswin Raj, allegedly attacked children singing a Christmas carol in Kalandithara, Pudussery, Palakkad, on the night of December 21, 2025. Raj is said to have assaulted the children and damaged their musical instrument. The carol group’s band belonged to the CPI(M) area committee. Police arrested Aswin Raj following a complaint. The DYFI condemned the attack and announced it would organise protest carols across Palakkad district. "All 2,500 DYFI units will take out carols," the youth wing said. They also challenged RSS and BJP to stop these protest carols, warning they would "respond in an appropriate manner." BJP State vice-president C. Krishnakumar defended the attack, claiming the carol was organised by the CPI(M) and that the participants were intoxicated. He alleged, "the members of the carol group had deliberately attempted to create trouble." The DYFI strongly criticised Krishnakumar, calling him "the Praveen Togadia of Palakkad" and saying he had "exposed his true communal face." Palakkad Bishop Mar Peter Kochupurackal condemned the assault and hoped that "those responsible will handle the matter legally." The Congress party described the attack as BJP's "natural response to its failure to secure the expected support from the Christian community" in recent civic elections. They called the incident "an attack on communal harmony" and demanded justice. Police said Aswin Raj was already facing charges under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). He now faces multiple charges, including causing hurt and promoting communal violence.