What Happened to Kerala MLA K.P. Mohanan Amid Pollution Protests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- MLA K.P. Mohanan faced a hostile crowd over pollution issues.
- The protest reflects growing local anger over environmental concerns.
- Kuthuparampu is a politically charged area with historical significance.
- The incident raises questions about political accountability.
- Community engagement is crucial for addressing local grievances.
Kannur, Oct 2 (NationPress) K.P. Mohanan, a member of the ruling Left Democratic Front and a former state agriculture minister, was confronted and physically challenged by a group of locals in his Kuthuparampu Assembly constituency in Kannur district on Thursday.
The 75-year-old politician, representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)—a partner in the ruling coalition—was present at Kariadu to inaugurate an Anganwadi when the confrontation occurred.
Angry residents, who have been vocal about ongoing pollution issues stemming from a nearby dialysis center, approached the legislator as he proceeded to the venue.
Witnesses described how a crowd of frustrated men and women encircled him, chanting slogans and demanding answers regarding their concerns.
What started as a tense dialogue quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with the MLA appearing to be surrounded and at times losing his footing, only to regain his balance.
Footage from the scene captured Mohanan standing his ground against the protestors, insisting that he would continue with his scheduled event.
Despite the tumultuous situation, he ultimately succeeded in reaching the inauguration site.
A significant portion of the protestors were women, expressing their frustrations alongside the men.
Kuthuparampu is a politically charged area, previously represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Mohanan has strong political ties to the area; his late father, P.R. Kurup, held ministerial positions in earlier Left administrations.
He served as Agriculture Minister during the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government from 2011 to 2016, representing the Socialist Janata Dal. After the party returned to the Left, Mohanan reclaimed his seat in the 2021 Assembly elections.
Local resident Kannan highlighted that the pollution issue has persisted for nearly two years, stating, “Despite numerous appeals to address this pollution problem, no action has been taken, and the community is frustrated.”
This incident underscores the growing community dissatisfaction regarding environmental issues tied to the dialysis center. As elections approach, it remains uncertain whether the legislator will address this situation with law enforcement.