Kerala Minister P Kunhalikutty downplayed the controversy over a proposed local holiday for the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, claiming Chief Minister V D Satheesan's Assembly remarks were 'taken out of context.'
The controversy arose after UDF MLA Reji Cheriyan sought a local holiday in Kuttanad taluk for the annual boat race. CM Satheesan initially said the government would consider the request, but was later allegedly heard saying 'under no circumstances will it be granted.'
Kunhalikutty stated that the remark was part of a different conversation and not connected to the request for a local holiday.
The organisers of the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race expressed disappointment over the controversy, appealing to the government to recognise the cultural significance of the centuries-old event and declare a local holiday.
