Alappuzha (Kerala) | Two UDF MLAs on Sunday engaged in a war of words over an unscheduled visit to a spillway in Alappuzha district, triggering an embarrassment for the ruling Congress-led front in Kerala.
The row erupted after Kuttanad MLA Reji Cherian visited the Thottappally Spillway, which falls within the Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency, allegedly without informing local MLA G Sudhakaran.
A former public works minister, Sudhakaran won the April 9 Assembly polls with the support of the UDF after quitting the CPI (M).
Speaking at a public function, Sudhakaran criticised Cherian's visit, saying an MLA should not enter another legislator's constituency and conduct official engagements without prior intimation.
He even claimed that such conduct could invite action from the Assembly's Privileges Committee.
The Ambalappuzha MLA also took a swipe at Cherian by referring to a bar hotel allegedly owned by him, saying he did not enjoy the latter's affection because he was not among those who frequented the establishment.
Cherian hit back sharply through the media and said he had every right as the representative of Kuttanad to inspect issues affecting his constituency and clarified that he had visited the spillway along with officials, including engineers, to assess its condition.
"I did not go there to remove sand. I want to understand the situation at Thottappally, which directly affects Kuttanad," Cherian said.
The Kuttanad MLA alleged that mineral sand had been removed from the area when Sudhakaran was a minister, and said those who governed at the time knew where it had been taken.
Cherian also warned against personal attacks, saying he was elected by the people of Kuttanad and had not become an MLA through anyone's patronage.
The spat between the two UDF legislators happened just weeks after the Congress-led front assumed office in the state.
The UDF leadership is yet to react on the matter.
