Thiruvananthapuram: A political controversy broke out in the Kerala Assembly on Monday after Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan produced a bottle containing what he claimed was water used in a police water cannon during an AIYF-AISF protest march. He accused the government of using contaminated water against demonstrators.

The protest was held against the government's position on the PM SHRI scheme. CPI leader and MLA K. Rajan, along with other activists, took part in the march. Police used water cannons near Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium after protesters allegedly attempted to breach barricades.

Following the incident, some protesters claimed they experienced itching after being sprayed by the water cannon. Questions were also raised about whether the water had been sourced from an unclean supply.

Opposition raises health concerns

Taking up the matter in the Assembly, Vijayan alleged that the water used was heavily contaminated and could pose serious health risks.

He claimed the water was capable of causing illnesses, including amoebic meningoencephalitis, and said the issue should be treated seriously.

“This is not the normal method of using a water cannon. At a time when Kerala is discussing health concerns, this has to be taken seriously,” Vijayan said while seeking a detailed explanation from Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.

Government orders examination of water sample

Responding to the allegations, Chennithala said there had been no deliberate attempt to use polluted water against protesters.

He told the Assembly that water cannons are normally filled using water supplied by the Kerala Water Authority. The minister said the discolouration reported by protesters could have resulted from deposits or rust inside an ageing tanker.

“The water sample will be sent for laboratory examination. The Commissioner has been asked to look into the matter,” Chennithala said.

He added that appropriate corrective measures would be taken if the inquiry identified any lapses.

Protest organisers question quality of water

K. Rajan, who inaugurated the protest march, said demonstrators were not intimidated by the use of water cannons but objected to the quality of the water allegedly sprayed on them.

He claimed that the water was unacceptable and alleged that the colour of clothes worn by some women protesters changed after they were sprayed.

The Speaker said the matter could be examined further once the laboratory test results become available.

The controversy has shifted attention from the protest against the PM SHRI scheme to allegations surrounding the methods used by police to disperse demonstrators.