The annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race commenced in Alappuzha without a local holiday, despite a political storm. A request for a holiday by an MLA was reportedly followed by a Chief Minister's remark, captured on an open mic, stating it wouldn't be granted. The MLA expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for a holiday next year, emphasizing the event's cultural significance for Kuttanad.

Kerala's political controversy erupts as CM Satheesan's contradictory remarks on Kuttanad holiday for boat race spark criticism.

The controversy arose after a UDF MLA sought a local holiday in for a local annual boat race, a request that Satheesan seemed to dismiss in an open mic remark | India News