High drama prevailed at the Government UP School at Neerkunnam in Alappuzha on Friday as a heated argument erupted between G. Sudhakaran, MLA, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers during a visit by the former Public Works Minister.
The Ambalappuzha MLA, accompanied by Congress workers, was at the school to verify the allegation of illegal soil removal from the school premises. Mr. Sudhakaran, a former CPI(M) leader, alleged that the soil was being illegally transported from the school compound after the demolition of an old building.
The school’s Parent Teachers Association president Prashanth Kutty, who had earlier served as a personal staff of former CPI(M) MLA H. Salam, and Ambalappuzha North grama panchayat president Harris who were present at the school, called Mr. Sudhakaran’s allegations as baseless, leading to a verbal confrontation.
The CPI(M) leaders claimed that all the necessary permissions were secured before removing the soil and that the relevant records were available. During the argument, CPI(M) leaders were heard questioning Mr. Sudhakaran’s act of allegedly ditching the party ahead of the Assembly elections for political gains, a charge the MLA rejected.
They also alleged that Congress workers accompanying Mr. Sudhakaran manhandled CPI(M) leaders during the altercation. Mr. Kutty, who reportedly sustained injuries in the incident, was admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Vandanam.
The CPI(M) leaders alleged that Mr. Sudhakaran had brought with him online media personnel to the school to create unnecessary publicity.
The Ambalappuzha police reached the spot and dispersed both groups as tension prevailed in the area. Mr. Salam and other senior leaders later intervened to defuse the situation.
Published – July 10, 2026 09:38 pm IST
