A routine event at a Kerala government-run tribal school turned controversial when BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan was accused of humiliating students by allegedly placing sweets on a table instead of handing them directly. The incident occurred during a school admission festival primarily attended by Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and other backward community students.
Critics on social media raised concerns after videos and photos showed the MLA emptying sweets onto a table for children to pick up themselves. This action sparked accusations of discrimination and insensitivity, especially considering the students’ social backgrounds. Former General Education Minister V. Sivankutty criticized the MLA’s behavior as degrading and discriminatory, emphasizing the need for respectful treatment of marginalized children in educational settings.
State Minister K.A. Thulasi, who was present at the event, faced criticism for not intervening during the incident. The opposition demanded an apology from Muraleedharan, highlighting the importance of not tolerating discrimination against marginalized children. Despite the BJP’s defense that all students were offered sweets, the incident has fueled a political dispute, with opposing views on social prejudice and motivated controversies.
