UDF MLAs Clash Over Spillway Visit, Exposing Early Fault Lines in Kerala Government

An unusual public spat between two legislators of Kerala's ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) has sparked embarrassment for the Congress-led alliance, with lawmakers exchanging accusations over an unscheduled visit to the Thottappally Spillway in Alappuzha district.

The controversy erupted after Kuttanad MLA Reji Cherian visited the Thottappally Spillway, located within the Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency represented by G. Sudhakaran , a former Public Works Minister who secured victory in the recent Assembly elections with UDF backing after leaving the CPI(M).

Speaking at a public function, Sudhakaran criticised Cherian's visit, arguing that elected representatives should inform local legislators before undertaking official engagements in another constituency. He went a step further, suggesting that such actions could potentially attract scrutiny from the Assembly's Privileges Committee .

The remarks quickly escalated into a war of words after Sudhakaran made a personal reference to a bar hotel allegedly owned by Cherian. The Kuttanad MLA responded sharply, asserting that he had every right to inspect issues affecting his constituency, particularly the Thottappally Spillway, which plays a crucial role in Kuttanad's water management .

Cherian said he had visited the site alongside government officials and engineers to assess its condition and dismissed allegations of impropriety. He also raised questions about the removal of mineral sand from the area during Sudhakaran's tenure as a minister, alleging that those in power at the time were aware of where the material had been transported.

Warning against personal attacks, Cherian maintained that he was elected by the people of Kuttanad and did not owe his position to anyone's patronage.

The episode comes just weeks after the UDF assumed office in Kerala and has drawn attention to emerging tensions within the alliance. While political parties often close ranks after electoral victories, public disagreements between ruling coalition members can undermine perceptions of unity and governance.

The UDF leadership has so far remained silent on the controversy. However, the dispute has highlighted a broader political reality: internal feuds often expose deeper cracks within political alliances than opposition attacks ever can. Whether the leadership intervenes or allows the matter to subside on its own could determine how quickly the ruling front moves past its first major bout of public infighting .