SDPI Re-elects M.K. Faizy as National President Despite His Continued Detention
Party council in Mangaluru condemns arrest, alleges misuse of central agencies
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has re-elected M.K. Faizy as its national president during the party’s sixth National Representative Council meeting held in Mangaluru on Wednesday.
Faizy, also known as K. Moideen Kutty, was elected in absentia as he has been in jail since March 2025. He was arrested in Delhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under money-laundering charges allegedly linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
The SDPI has strongly denied the allegations against its leader, describing them as politically motivated. Party leaders said the case reflects a deliberate attempt to target minority voices and suppress opposition politics.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of Obaidullah Khan Azmi, former Rajya Sabha member and Vice-President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, who served as the Election Officer for the council meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Acting National President Mohammad Shafi said the party stood firmly with Faizy. The council passed a resolution calling his arrest “undemocratic” and claimed it was aimed at silencing leaders working for minorities, marginalised communities, farmers, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In a strongly worded resolution, the council accused the Union government of misusing central investigative agencies, including the ED, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It also alleged the misuse of strict laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to curb political dissent.
During the meeting, the SDPI also announced the launch of its new youth wing, Young Democrats. The initiative is intended to engage young people and encourage their participation in democratic movements and social justice efforts.
Faizy’s re-election while in custody highlights the party’s continued support for its leader and reinforces its stance against what it describes as state overreach. The Mangaluru meeting reaffirmed the SDPI’s commitment to defending the rights of underrepresented sections amid ongoing legal and political challenges.
