Kerala opposition leader: Delimitation panel to examine Muvattupuzha district demand

Kerala Legislative Assembly's Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, said on Wednesday that the state government will seriously examine the proposal to make Muvattupuzha a separate district and will appoint a Delimitation Commission for the purpose. He was speaking after inaugurating 'Triveni', the Onam celebrations organised by the Muvattupuzha municipality.

Mr. Satheesan, a senior Congress leader, acknowledged the emotional attachment of the people of Muvattupuzha to Ernakulam district, of which it is currently a part. He said there is a sense of sadness in Muvattupuzha about being separated from its home district. However, he assured that the Delimitation Commission would consider the matter and find a solution to all the concerns raised by the residents.

The demand for creating a separate Muvattupuzha district has been pending for several years, with local residents and political leaders arguing that the region's geographic size and population warrant administrative reorganisation. The formation of a Delimitation Commission is seen as a significant step towards addressing such longstanding demands.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Satheesan also addressed the state government's preparations for the Onam festival. He said that despite financial challenges, the government has not compromised on Onam celebrations. All outstanding dues, including payments that have been pending for months, are currently being disbursed, he added.

The government has taken steps to ensure that all Supplyco Onam fairs are stocked with 13 essential commodities at subsidised rates. According to Mr. Satheesan, this has prevented any rise in market prices. He said that the entire planning was done two months in advance, and record sales are taking place at these fairs.

Mr. Satheesan described Onam as essentially a harvest festival that originated in an agrarian society. He noted that the festival is celebrated by people across all barriers of caste, religion, ethnicity, and colour, making it a unifying occasion.

The event was presided over by Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, and Dean Kuriakose, MP, delivered the keynote address.