TV debate turns ugly, minister hurt

Kollam: The debate organized by a television news channel at Chavara turned violent on Thursday, injuring two of the candidates in the constituency – Shibu Baby John (UDF) and Vijayan Pillai (LDF). Supporters of both parties were also injured. The incident occurred at Sankaramangalam Junction.

The LDF candidate and some local residents raised the issue of drinking water scarcity. They blamed local MLA Shibu, saying he did nothing to remedy the situation. The allegation infuriated some of Shibu’s supporters and they clashed with Pillai’s followers. However, Shibu said LDF supporters started the attack and that he was not allowed to reply to the query.

He sustained an injury on his hand after a stone pelted from the crowd hit him. Pillai, meanwhile, said Shibu’s supporters started the pre-planned attack. He was later admitted to the taluk hospital at Karunagapally.