No local holiday for Champakulam boat race after CM Satheesan's open-mic remark

The annual Champakulam Moolam Boat Race commenced in Alappuzha without a local holiday, despite a political storm. A request for a holiday by an MLA was reportedly followed by a Chief Minister's remark, captured on an open mic, stating it wouldn't be granted. The MLA expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for a holiday next year, emphasizing the event's cultural significance for Kuttanad.