Kerala Chief Minister opens new bridge in Alappuzha amid political protests

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the Makkekadavu-Nerekadavu bridge on Sunday, connecting the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. During the event, he announced that Aroor will be developed as a blue economy and seafood hub under the State government's Mission Samudra initiative.

Political Clashes

The inauguration event saw open political disputes and public protests. Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer and former CPI(M) MP A.M. Ariff argued over who deserved credit for building the bridge. Mr. Basheer stated that the Public Works Department built the bridge directly at a cost of over 98 crore rupees. Mr. Ariff claimed the project was completed during the term of former PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, leading to boos from sections of the crowd.

Walkout and Compensation

Former Vaikom MLA C.K. Asha walked out of the venue in protest after she was invited to speak only after the Chief Minister and other ministers had left the stage. Ms. Asha told reporters she felt belittled despite working hard to realise the project. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Satheesan promised that development projects will not displace ordinary people and announced a special compensation package for residents affected by land acquisition along the Nerekadavu-Vaikom stretch.

Context

Bridge inaugurations and major infrastructure projects in Kerala frequently become flashpoints for political rivalries and disputes over credit between rival political fronts. Infrastructure funding and land acquisition issues remain sensitive topics for local communities across the state.