Kerala Minister P Kunhalikutty on Saturday sought to downplay the controversy surrounding a proposed local holiday for the Champakulam-Mullam Boat Race, claiming that Chief Minister V D Sathisan’s remarks, which seemed at odds with his official response, had been “taken out of context”.
The controversy arose after UDF MLA Reji Cheriyan of the Kerala Congress (Joseph) sought a local vacationer in Kuttanad taluk for the annual boat race.
In response, the Prime Minister said the government would consider the request.
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However, moments after responding and taking his seat, Sathisan was heard over an open microphone saying: “It will not be granted under any circumstances.”
The statement, which was recorded on video, was widely circulated on social media by LDF lawmakers, sparking a political row.
Kunhalikutty, who was sitting next to the Prime Minister in the Assembly, told reporters on Saturday that the remark was part of a different conversation and was not related to the local holiday demand.
“I remember that the Prime Minister’s remarks came in the context of another topic under discussion. We were engaged in a conversation about a different matter when he asked the question. The statements that followed were part of that ongoing discussion,” he said.
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The Indian Union Muslim League leader said the statement was not specifically related to the question raised by the Kuttanad MLA.
“It was interpreted differently and was immediately reported as news. At least to my knowledge that’s what happened,” he added.
In the wake of the controversy, Cherian said he remains hopeful that the government will eventually declare a local holiday for the boat race, scheduled to be held in Champakulam in Alappuzha district on June 29.
Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan also said he was not aware of the Prime Minister’s full remarks, as much of the interaction was informal.
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Organizers of the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race expressed disappointment over the controversy, saying the chief minister’s reported remarks had worried people in Kuttanad.
They appealed to the government to recognize the cultural importance of this centuries-old event and declare a local holiday.
