He Deserved the Credit, He Got the Honour - Kerala MLA’s Rare Gesture

n a notable instance of political courtesy in Kerala, Poonjar Congress MLA M.J. Sebastian invited his predecessor, former LDF MLA Sebastian Kulathunkal, to inaugurate the newly completed Amakkunnu bridge in Erumely. The bridge, connecting Vazhakala and Amakkunnu, was sanctioned during Kulathunkal’s tenure using ₹80 lakh from his MLA Asset Development Fund. The project was completed under the subsequent UDF administration.

Sebastian said the credit for the project belonged to Kulathunkal, who had sanctioned the funds, and that his role was to ensure administrative continuity and completion of the work. He also asked that his name be omitted from the commemorative plaque, which carries only the designation ‘Poonjar MLA’. The gesture drew attention as an example of development being placed above political credit, with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan also praising Sebastian for the move.