The opening ceremony of a municipal shopping complex at Chemmad, Tirurangadi, got chaotic on Tuesday (October 28) when the chief guest, P.K. Kunhalikutty, MLA, could not find scissors to cut the ribbon.
Mr. Kunhalikutty pushed through the crowd to get to the white ribbon for the inaugural. Local leaders, including Municipal Chairman Mohammed Kutty K.P. and other councillors, were pushing to get near the chief guest.
But just as Mr. Kunhalikutty reached the ribbon, it became apparent that the organisers had forgotten the most crucial tool for the ceremony: a pair of scissors.
Embarrassment set in as the organisers began pointing fingers at each other, each trying to shift the blame for the oversight. The atmosphere, which was initially jubilant with anticipation, quickly turned awkward and embarrassing.
“It was supposed to be a grand inauguration. But they forgot the most basic thing,” said a flustered worker of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which is ruling the municipality.
Mr. Kunhalikutty, however, took the unexpected turn of events in stride, attempting to diffuse the tension by hiding his embarrassment.
After a brief wait, he went to the stage, only to be further embarrassed when he saw the stage backdrop incorrectly describe him as ‘Ushnanavu’ in Malayalam, instead of Upanetavu, meaning deputy leader of the Opposition.
The incident is likely to be remembered for a long time to come, serving as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail in such high-profile events.
Published – October 31, 2025 12:37 am IST
