Protests Mount Against CM V D Satheesan Over Champakulam Boat Race Holiday Remark

Alappuzha: Protests are spreading against Chief Minister V D Satheesan's dismissive stand on denying a local holiday for the historic Champakulam Moolam boat race. DYFI's Kuttanad and Thakazhy block committees staged a protest by rowing boats along the Champakulam river. The demonstration began at the 'Kizhakke' bus stand and concluded near Champakulam church with a protest meeting.

An effigy of the Chief Minister was also burnt during the protest. DYFI district secretary James Samuel inaugurated the protest, with Thakazhy block secretary Aju Anand presiding. District president S Suresh Kumar, K G Arun Kumar, K R Ramjith, Jojo Antony, A R Ranjith, Bijin R Bhadran, K S Sreekanth and Josna Jose addressed the gathering.

Sharp criticism, including on social media, has followed the Chief Minister's "original" response to Kuttanad MLA Reji Cherian's request for a local holiday on the day of the Moolam boat race. After telling the Assembly that the matter would be examined and a decision taken, Satheesan was caught saying, in a lowered voice, "There's no way we're giving it" — a remark that subsequently became public.

The MLA had raised, as a submission, the demand for a holiday for Kuttanad taluk. Satheesan had responded that the matter would be examined before a decision was taken. However, while still seated, he was heard turning to a minister nearby and saying that the holiday would not be granted under any circumstances.