Satheesan’s open-mic remark at Kerala Kuttanadu festival rally sparks political row

Controversy has erupted in Kerala over a proposed local holiday for the historic Champakulam Moolam Boat Race after Chief Minister VD Satheesan’s remarks in an assembly recently appeared to contradict his answers on the floor of the House, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)).

The issue arose when United Democratic Front (UDF) MLA Reji Cheriyan, a member of the Kerala Congress, sought local leave in Kuttanadu taluk for the annual boat race.

In his reply to the gathering, Mr. Satheesan said the government would consider the request.

However, moments after he answered the question and took his seat, the chief minister was reportedly heard saying over an open mic, “under no circumstances will it be granted”. The remark, captured on video, was widely shared on social media by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) legislators.

They shared the clip on Facebook with the comment, “That’s a measure of his credibility” and claimed that the chief minister had taken two conflicting positions in a matter of seconds.

However, Mr Cheriyan said he remained hopeful that the government would eventually declare a local holiday for the boat race.

Unknowingly, says the spokesperson

Spokesperson Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said he was not aware of the chief minister’s full remarks as much of the interaction was off the record.

“I don’t know exactly what the chief minister said. Apart from the recorded part where he read from the script, the rest was off the record, so I don’t know what was said,” he told reporters.

He added that such remarks would be out of line for the Chief Minister.

“The chief minister is generally a person who reacts positively to everything. So I don’t know how this matter arose or whether something was taken out of context. I don’t know what exactly happened,” he said.

Kerala Congress Reply

The controversy has put the Kerala Congress, an important ally of the UDF, in a delicate position.

Water Resources Minister and senior party leader Mons Joseph refused to comment on what transpired inside the assembly, saying discussions held in the House should not become a matter of public debate.

“If any investigation is required, it can be done through proper channels. Matters pending in the legislature should not be dragged out as it is not a healthy parliamentary practice,” he said.

Mr. Joseph added that he had raised the matter with Mr. Cheriyan and that he would discuss it with Mr. Satheesan. He also said any allegation of misconduct should be reviewed in accordance with established parliamentary procedures.

Meanwhile, organizers of the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race expressed disappointment over the development and said the Chief Minister’s remarks had created apprehension among people in Kuttanad.

They appealed to the government to recognize the cultural significance of the centenary event and declare a local holiday.

festival

Organizers said preparations for Monday’s race have entered the final stages, with traditional temple rituals set to begin on the morning of June 29.

Fifteen boats are expected to participate, including the iconic snake boats, and teams from the Champions Boat League will also participate.

Organizers said they remain optimistic that the government will take a favorable decision ahead of the event, which marks the beginning of the boat racing season in Kerala.

“Contradictory Positions”

The political tussle intensified after CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan accused Mr Satheesan of exhibiting conflicting views.

He claimed that the chief minister’s behavior reflected his “true political character” and linked it to other contentious issues being dealt with by the government.

CPI(M) MLA KU Jenish Kumar accused Mr Satheesan of misleading the legislature.

In a post on social media, he argued that publicly saying the leave request would be considered, while privately suggesting it would never be granted, would be a serious breach of legislative standards and public trust.

The CPI(M) lawmaker also invoked historical precedents, citing former chief minister K Karunakaran and former prime minister Indira Gandhi, and said a misguided legislature was undermining democratic institutions.

“The minimum standard in politics is honesty with both the people and the legislators,” Kumar said, adding that “microphones left in the House often reveal those trying to deceive elected representatives and the public.”

Published – 26 Jun 2026 21:02 IST