Netizens recall Kuttanad MLA's plea as Kerala govt announces World Cup final holiday for students
The Kerala government's decision to declare a holiday for schools and colleges to allow students to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has triggered fresh political and social media debate, with many drawing comparisons to the earlier rejection of a local holiday for the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race in Kuttanad.
The state government declared July 20 a holiday for educational institutions under the General Education Department, citing requests from football-loving students ahead of the Argentina-Spain World Cup final, which kicks off after midnight Indian time.
The announcement was made by the Office of the Kerala Education Minister.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said on social media that Kerala had been gripped by "football fever" ahead of the final.
"As Kerala catches the ultimate football fever ahead of the grand Argentina-Spain finale. To ensure our young fans can enjoy the midnight thriller without worrying about school or college the next morning, the Government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions tomorrow. Stay up, cheer out loud, and enjoy the game," he wrote.
Social media revives Kuttanad holiday controversy
Soon after the announcement, several social media users questioned why a statewide holiday had been granted for an international football match while a request for a local holiday during the annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race had been turned down earlier this year.
Many posts recalled the controversy surrounding Kuttanad MLA Reji Cheriyan's demand for a holiday for the traditional boat race, one of the region's biggest cultural events.
One widely shared Malayalam post said that Kerala had become the only Indian state to declare a holiday for educational institutions because of the World Cup final and sarcastically remembered Reji Cheriyan, who had faced criticism after seeking a local holiday for the boat race.
Another post said: "A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in Kerala for the FIFA World Cup final. At this moment, it is impossible not to remember Kuttanad MLA Reji Cheriyan, who faced ridicule for seeking a local holiday for the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race. Sometimes time itself answers old questions."
A separate post contrasted the two decisions, claiming that the holiday request made by UDF MLA Reji Cheriyan for the Moolam Boat Race had been rejected, while the government readily accepted CPM leader V Sivankutty's request to declare a holiday for the World Cup final.
Boat race holiday demand had sparked political row
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, held on June 30, attracted record crowds despite the absence of a local holiday. The controversy over the rejected demand had itself become a talking point during the event.
A flex banner displayed from a boat mocked Chief Minister V D Satheesan over the government's refusal to declare a holiday for Kuttanad taluk. The banner carried a sarcastic Malayalam message suggesting that the holiday would eventually be granted.
Images and videos of the banner were widely circulated on social media, including by Konni MLA K U Jenish Kumar.
The controversy began after Reji Cheriyan, the Kuttanad MLA from Kerala Congress (Joseph), sought a local holiday for the annual boat race.
Replying in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government would consider the request. However, moments after taking his seat, he was allegedly heard through an open microphone remarking that the holiday would not be granted "under any circumstances". The comment was captured on video and widely shared by LDF legislators, triggering a political row.
No local holiday despite MLA's request
The Alappuzha district administration did not declare a holiday for Kuttanad despite the request.
Speaking after the event, Reji Cheriyan said he had expected the administration to announce a holiday until the last moment because the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is Kuttanad's foremost cultural festival.
He said people celebrated the race enthusiastically despite the decision.
"Let us try harder next year. There will be a holiday for the Moolam Boat Race next year," he said.
Cheriyan also said there was no doubt that the Chief Minister's alleged remark had hurt the sentiments of the people of Kuttanad.
"However, the issue will end once he explains the circumstances in which he made the remark. Everyone is saddened, and so am I. It was my first submission in the Assembly," he said.
The MLA added that he would seek an explanation directly from the Chief Minister.