Kerala CM VD Satheesan caught in controversy over ‘refusing’ to declare a public holiday, minister says remarks were ‘out of context’

Kerala CM VD Satheesan caught in controversy over ‘refusing’ to declare a public holiday, minister says remarks were ‘out of context’

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has found himself at the centre of a political row after an open-mic remark in the state Assembly appeared to contradict his official response to a request for a local public holiday for the annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race.

The controversy began when UDF MLA Reji Cheriyan sought a local holiday in Kuttanad taluk for the centuries-old boat race, one of Kerala's most celebrated cultural events. Responding in the Assembly, Satheesan said the government would consider the request. However, moments later, after taking his seat, he was allegedly heard through an open microphone saying that the holiday would not be granted "under any circumstances." The clip soon circulated widely on social media, triggering criticism from opposition leaders and the public.

As the controversy escalated, Kerala Minister P Kunhalikutty came to the chief minister's defence, insisting that the remark had been misunderstood.

According to Kunhalikutty, who was seated beside Satheesan in the Assembly, the chief minister's comment was part of a separate conversation and had no connection with the request for the local holiday.

He said the statement was "taken out of context" and was incorrectly interpreted as a response to the MLA's request, leading to unnecessary political controversy.

Reji Cheriyan, who raised the issue in the Assembly, said he remains hopeful that the government will ultimately approve the holiday for the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, which is scheduled to take place in Alappuzha district. He added that the matter could be resolved through discussions with the chief minister.

Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan also said he was unaware of the complete context of the chief minister's remarks, noting that much of the conversation following the official response was off the record.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race expressed disappointment over the controversy, saying the reported remarks had caused concern among local residents. They appealed to the government to recognise the cultural significance of the event and declare a local holiday as has been demanded by the community.

The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, held on the Pampa River in Alappuzha district, marks the traditional beginning of Kerala's famous snake boat racing season and attracts thousands of participants and spectators every year.

With political parties continuing to trade barbs over the issue, attention is now on whether the Kerala government will eventually approve the requested local holiday and put the controversy to rest.