Opposition protest disrupts council meeting at Pala municipality in Keralam’s Kottayam

A protest by Opposition councillors over the non-discussion of sanitation projects turned unruly at the Pala municipal council meeting on Wednesday, with councillor Binu Pulikkakandam allegedly pushing away the microphone as chairperson Maya Rahul was speaking.The United Democratic Front (UDF) councillors, who are in the Opposition, staged a protest in front of the chairperson’s dais, alleging that projects related to sanitation works had not been taken up for discussion by the council.The situation escalated when Mr. Pulikkakandam allegedly snatched a paper from Ms. Rahul and pushed away the microphone as she attempted to speak. Amid the protests, Ms. Rahul walked out of the meeting after declaring that all items on the agenda of the meeting had been passed.Ms. Rahul later lodged a complaint with the police against Mr. Pulikkakandam, alleging that he had caused damage to public property. The complaint also alleged that his conduct created a threatening atmosphere in the municipality and caused mental distress to women councillors.Ms. Rahul, an independent councillor, heads the ruling council with the support of a group of UDF rebels and the Left Democratic Front. Published - September 30, 2026 09:08 pm IST