KOCHI: The proposal to carve out a new district centred on Muvattupuzha has triggered differences within the United Democratic Front (UDF), with leaders of the Kerala Congress faction opposed to the move, citing concerns over its possible impact on Idukki district.
The Kerala Congress is preparing to voice its opposition at the UDF meeting, with the Joseph faction maintaining that the creation of a separate Muvattupuzha district could adversely affect the future of Idukki.
Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, however, has said that the political climate is favourable for considering the long-standing demand for district status for Muvattupuzha.
The demand to make Muvattupuzha a separate district has been under discussion for several decades. The proposal was first mooted by former Kerala Chief Minister K Karunakaran in 1982.
The Kerala Congress is now concerned that the UDF government could take steps to implement the proposal. The party fears that dividing Muvattupuzha to create a new district could also lead to changes in the administrative boundaries of Thodupuzha taluk, which could have political implications for the Joseph faction.
The faction has also raised concerns over the demographic and linguistic composition of Idukki. It argues that any territorial reorganisation could alter the region’s linguistic balance and potentially increase the influence of Tamil-speaking populations.
The Joseph faction has further expressed apprehension that areas including Munnar and the Mullaperiyar region could eventually face administrative changes, which it believes could have wider implications for Kerala.
The disagreement is expected to come up for discussion within the UDF as the demand for a separate Muvattupuzha district gains renewed political attention.
