What Happened During the Clash at Palakkad Municipality?
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Synopsis
In a heated confrontation at the Palakkad Municipality, the ruling BJP faced off against the opposition over the naming of a new skill development centre. Tensions escalated, leading to claims of physical assault by the chairperson. Discover the unfolding drama and the implications for local governance.
Key Takeaways
- Clashes between ruling and opposition parties over the naming of a municipal project are indicative of political tensions.
- The **BJP's** firm stance on the naming reflects its commitment to its ideological roots.
- Physical altercations in local governance highlight the volatility of political discourse.
- Support from local leaders can significantly influence opposition movements.
- The financial backing from **CSR** indicates private sector involvement in public projects.
Palakkad, April 29 (NationPress) Clashes erupted on Tuesday at the Palakkad Municipality in Kerala between the united opposition—comprising the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led Left members—and the ruling BJP councillors. The confrontation was triggered by the decision to name a forthcoming skill development centre for children with intellectual disabilities after K.B. Hedgewar, an RSS ideologue. The chairperson alleged that she was physically assaulted during the altercations.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has held governance in the Palakkad Municipality since 2015.
This controversy had been escalating since the foundation stone was laid on April 11.
Since that time, there have been ongoing confrontations between the ruling BJP and opposition councillors.
During the council meeting on Tuesday, opposition members displayed placards questioning, ‘Who is this Hedgewar?’.
Chairperson Pramila Sashidharan insisted that there would be no alteration to the name, emphasizing that it had been designated for the skill centre, which is being funded with Rs 1.5 crore from a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of a private firm.
As the opposition protested vigorously, chaos ensued, leading to clashes between the combined opposition councillors and the ruling BJP members.
Law enforcement arrived on the scene, along with individuals whom opposition members accused of being BJP/RSS goons present in the visitors’ gallery.
Afterwards, Sashidharan was escorted to her office, where confrontations continued.
“My hair was pulled by the opposition councillors... my arms were held... they hurt me physically... I am just waiting to go to the hospital for treatment, but I am unable to move out,” stated Sashidharan, who was surrounded and harassed by the protesters.
Coincidentally, the Congress councillors have the full support of newly elected Palakkad MLA and state Youth Congress President Rahul Mamkootathil.
He remarked previously, “To our knowledge, Hedgewar is someone who attempted to divide the nation; he is the founder of RSS. When constructing a building on land owned by the Palakkad Municipality, why should it bear the name of an RSS leader?”
However, senior BJP councillor Sivarajan firmly stated that the decision would remain unchanged and the name would stay.
“We will not alter the name at all,” declared Sivarajan.
Notably, the centre is being established on 30 cents of land that belongs to the Palakkad Municipality.
Point of View
The opposition is determined to voice its dissent, highlighting the challenges of political discourse in a democratic setup.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the clash occur at Palakkad Municipality?
The clash was triggered by the decision to name a skill development centre after RSS ideologue K.B. Hedgewar, which was opposed by the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led Left members.
What claims were made by the chairperson?
Chairperson Pramila Sashidharan claimed she was physically assaulted during the confrontation with opposition councillors.
What is the significance of the skill development centre?
The skill development centre aims to support children with intellectual disabilities and is being funded by CSR contributions.
Who supports the opposition in this conflict?
The opposition councillors have the backing of newly elected Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil.
Will the name of the centre be changed?
Senior BJP leader Sivarajan has stated that the name will not be altered despite the opposition's protests.
