A protest outside the Muvattupuzha municipal office halted civic administration after LDF workers blocked the building’s entrances, alleging bias in the chairperson’s allocation and spending of government funds. The demonstration also followed accusations that opposition councillors were being attacked and targeted through false cases, according to a report by Mathrubhumi.
The blockade began at around 7am, preventing municipal officers and employees from entering the building. The municipal office remained closed for the duration of the protest, while the chairperson and councillors did not report to the office, the report said.
A large police contingent was deployed at the site. Police initially moved to arrest the protesters, but the first attempt was not carried out amid the demonstration. Later in the afternoon, police arrested and removed the protesters from the premises.
The situation moved towards a confrontation when police began using force, according to the report. Leaders intervened at the spot and helped calm the situation before it escalated further. The report did not provide details on the number of people arrested or whether any cases were registered in connection with the protest.
The demonstration was inaugurated by advocate P.M. Ismail, a central committee member of the Karshaka Sangham. Ibrahim Kareem, a CPI mandal executive member, presided over the event. CPI district secretary N. Arun, executive member K.A. Navas, and CPM area secretary Aneesh M. Mathew were among those who addressed the gathering.
Representatives of the Kerala Congress (M), the Democratic Kerala Congress, and local CPM and CPI units also participated. The protest centred on allegations concerning the administration of government funds and the treatment of opposition councillors. Mathrubhumi’s report did not include a response from the municipal chairperson or the municipal administration to the allegations.
The disruption highlights how political conflict within a local body can immediately affect access to municipal offices and the functioning of routine civic administration. The next official steps, including any police action or response from the municipal leadership, were not specified in the report.
