Kochi, Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Sunday said the state government would examine the demand for a separate Muvattupuzha district.
He was addressing a gathering at an event organised by the Muvattupuzha Municipality near here.
Earlier, Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, in his address, alleged that the region had been neglected during the 10-year rule of the LDF government and renewed the demand for a separate Muvattupuzha district.
Muvattupuzha is currently part of Ernakulam district and is located close to the Idukki district border.
There has been a longstanding demand to form a separate Muvattupuzha district by combining areas in the eastern parts of Ernakulam district with low-lying areas of Idukki district.
Satheesan said he had taken note of the grievances raised by the Muvattupuzha MLA.
“He spoke about how it has been marginalised for a long time. He spoke about how development activities here were halted and blocked out of a spirit of revenge. I am only saying one sentence. All these grievances and all these worries will be resolved,” the CM said.
He said the developmental backlog suffered by Muvattupuzha would be addressed with interest.
Satheesan said he was fond of the people of Muvattupuzha and felt sad when the demand for a separate district was raised.
“I felt a slight sadness because Muvattupuzha would be separated from my own district. Nevertheless, that matter is also being seriously examined. This government will bring a Delimitation Commission. That request will certainly be considered in that process,” he said.
After the event, Kuzhalnadan told reporters that the CM had responded favourably to the demand for the formation of a separate Muvattupuzha district.
“A district has been a long-standing demand of the region. In the recent budget, the government mentioned examining the Delimitation Commission and the possibility of forming new districts and taluks,” Kuzhalnadan said.
The Muvattupuzha MLA said the CM had responded positively to his request during the event.
“A district centred around this region is essential for an agricultural area like Muvattupuzha. Often, even when significant funds are allocated to Ernakulam district, money rarely reaches the eastern region after meeting the city’s priorities,” he said.
“We have raised this point and brought it to the government’s attention multiple times, presenting clear statistics before the District Development Committee, he added.
Kuzhalnadan said the government was aware of the matter and expressed hope that a decision would be taken.
Asked about possible objections from political parties, Kuzhalnadan said consultations would be held.
“Nothing will be forced. There are senior leaders and public representatives. A conducive atmosphere exists on the matter,” he said.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
