Palakkad (Kerala) | Congress and its youth wing workers staged a protest march to the office of Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty in Chittur on Monday over allegations of improper handling of dams and spillways that led to the devastating 2018 floods claiming several lives.

Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan recently released a purported audio clip, in which Krishnankutty is heard blaming then Water Resources Minister Mathew T Thomas and Electricity Board officials for the floods that occurred during the tenure of the first Pinarayi Vijayan-led government.

As the protesters refused to withdraw, police used water cannons to disperse them.

The protesters demanded an explanation from the minister and sought his resignation, even though only a caretaker government is currently in place following the Assembly polls.

Krishnankutty did not contest the election and Indian Socialist Janatha Dal had fielded V Murukadas at Chittur.

Congress candidate Sumesh Achuthan also took part in the protest.

Speaking to reporters, Achuthan said the protest would be intensified.

"Krishnankutty was part of the conspiracy behind the 2018 floods. He supported actions that led to a disaster which killed around 500 people and caused damage to over Rs 50,000 crore," he alleged.

Achuthan further alleged that despite being aware of discrepancies related to the floods, Krishnankutty struck a deal with Thomas and secured the electricity minister's post in the second Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government.

"His involvement is very clear. With this audio clip, it is evident that the information presented about the 2018 floods in the Assembly was misleading," Achuthan said.

Following the release of the audio clip, Krishnankutty denied the allegations, claiming he had never made such statements and suggesting the clip could have been generated by artificial intelligence.