Alappuzha (Kerala) | The Kerala government did not announce a local holiday for the annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race on Monday, despite the controversy over an alleged open-mic remark by Chief Minister V D Satheesan following a request made in the Assembly.
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race marks the beginning of the traditional boat race season in the state.
The event features traditional boats, including the famed snake boats, competing on the Pampa River at Champakulam in Alappuzha district.
This year, seven snake boats are taking part in the race, which is scheduled to begin at 3 pm.
Cultural Affairs Minister P C Vishnunadh will inaugurate the event.
The race came into the political spotlight after Kuttanad MLA Reji Cheriyan of the Kerala Congress (Joseph), which is part of the ruling UDF, sought a local holiday in Kuttanad taluk for the annual event.
Replying in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government would consider the request, setting off the dispute.
However, moments after taking his seat, Satheesan was allegedly heard through an open microphone saying, "under no circumstances will it be granted." The remark, captured on video, was widely circulated on social media by LDF legislators, triggering a political controversy.
The Alappuzha district administration did not announce a local holiday despite the MLA's request.
Speaking to reporters, Cheriyan said he had expected the holiday to be declared until the last minute, as the boat race is Kuttanad's main cultural event.
He said that despite the absence of a local holiday, people were celebrating the event in a festive mood.
"Let us try harder next year. There will be a holiday for the Moolam Boat Race next year," he said.
Cheriyan said there was no doubt that the Chief Minister's remark had hurt the sentiments of the people of Kuttanad.
"However, the issue will end once he explains the circumstances in which he made the remark. Everyone is saddened, and so am I. It was my first submission in the Assembly," he said.
The MLA said he would seek an explanation directly from the Chief Minister.
"We will meet on Tuesday, and the matter will be resolved within one minute of discussion," he said.
