Even as Poonjar in Kerala’s Kottayam district has begun the arduous task of rebuilding after the devastating flash floods last week, the political battle over the disaster response is gathering as much momentum as the restoration works.

At the centre of the brewing controversy is the absence of M.J. Sebastian, legislator representing the Poonjar Assembly constituency, with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) trading charges over his decision to travel to the U.S. on a personal visit. The issue has given the LDF an opening to question the MLA’s presence and role at a time when large parts of his constituency are still dealing with the fallout of the floods. His absence amid the flood crisis has since snowballed into a political talking point, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leaders questioning his role and social media handles aligned with the Left amplifying the criticism.

The controversy gained further traction with the senior CPI(M) leader V.N. Vasavan too joining the criticism and questioned the propriety of the legislator’s absence as Poonjar continued to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.

UDF’s stance

The UDF, however, has chosen to fight the charge collectively, arguing that Mr. Sebastian was on the ground during the crucial initial phase of the disaster and had led relief efforts during the first five days after the flash floods. The UDF has also sought to shift the focus from the legislator’s physical presence to the machinery working in his absence.

“Those who are trying to portray the MLA’s travel for a personal purpose as an attempt to shirk his responsibilities should understand that Team UDF and the MLA’s office remain actively engaged in ensuring that relief and other activities continue smoothly even in his absence. He undertook the trip only after ensuring that all necessary coordination and arrangements were in place,” said Vasanth Thengumpally, a Congress spokesperson, in a social media post.

‘Focus on rebuilding’

The controversy, meanwhile, has also drawn the State government into the political crossfire. Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer, who visited Erattupetta on Saturday to assess the damage and coordinate relief operations, sought to play down the criticism over the MLA’s absence. “The focus of the State government is on rebuilding whatever was lost in the flash floods and not on such political criticism,” he said.

The flash floods that struck the Poonjar region around midnight on July 31 caused widespread damage in areas including Erattupetta, Poonjar and Poonjar Thekkekara.

Published - August 09, 2026 07:07 pm IST