24-05-2025
BJP's induction of elderly woman sparks controversy in Idukki
Mariakutty, who had begged in protest against govt. delay in pension disbursal, joins BJP. Move leaves Congress, which had built a house for her, perplexed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) induction of 87-year-old Mariakutty, who made news by begging in protest against the delay in social welfare pension disbursal, has triggered a political controversy in Idukki.
Mariakutty, a resident of Adimaly, received her membership from BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar during the 'Vikasita Keralam' convention organised by the party at Thodupuzha on Friday. After receiving the membership, the elderly woman criticised the Congress leadership. She claimed that local Congress leaders had ignored her, adding that BJP leaders and cadre had consistently supported her.
Active in Congress
In July 2024, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) built a house for the woman at 200 Acres, Adimaly, and its key was handed over to her by K. Sudhakaran, the then president of the KPCC. She had been active in the Congress since then, staging protests against the State government. Her sudden decision to join the BJP has left the local Congress leaders too perplexed.
During a visit to Thodupuzha on Saturday, KPCC president Sunny Joseph mocked her decision. Mr. Joseph also said that the Congress's wish was that every homeless got houses.
Ms. Mariakutty told the media that the Congress local leadership never contacted her after handing over the key to the house. 'BJP MP Suresh Gopi still provides a pension, and the BJP leaders and workers are supportive,' she said.
Ms. Mariakutty, along with Annamma Ouseph, 80, had staged a 'begging' protest by holding earthen pots at Adimaly on November 8, 2023, citing delay in disbursal of welfare pensions. The protest had grabbed widespread attention.
Meanwhile, former Idukki District Congress Committee general secretary Benny Peruvanthanam joined the BJP on Saturday. He received his membership from Mr. Chandrasekhar during a 'Vikasita Keralam' event at Kattappana. In April, Mr. Peruvanthanam resigned from the Congress in protest against the party's stance on the Waqf Act.
