Kerala Cong (Joseph) opposes proposal for new Muvattupuzha district

The Kerala Congress (Joseph) faction has voiced opposition to a proposal to establish a new Muvattupuzha district by incorporating Thodupuzha, with Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph stating on Saturday that the matter holds no relevance at present. Recently during an event in Muvattupuzha, Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan had urged Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan to consider forming a new district that would encompass portions of Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam districts.

Mr. Satheesan responded by stating that the request would be taken into consideration and that the government would appoint a Delimitation Commission.

The Kerala Congress (Joseph), a significant component of the UDF, has opposed the proposal, which is predominantly supported by the party in Thodupuzha. The opposition stems from the belief that removing Thodupuzha from Idukki district would be akin to "tearing away the very soul and heart of Idukki district." Party chairman P. J. Joseph had previously expressed opposition to the proposal when it was initially raised in the Assembly.

Mr. Joseph further added that while there is no objection to examining the feasibility of reevaluating the proposal, it should not be discussed publicly. He emphasized that the matter should be thoroughly examined by the UDF leadership and the State-level UDF committee, stating that the Kerala Congress will express its opinion once it is discussed within the UDF. At present, the issue has no relevance.