Kerala BJP MLA draws criticism over chocolate distribution to tribal students
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A video showing former Union minister and BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan distributing chocolates to students at a tribal residential school in Thiruvananthapuram has triggered controversy, with opposition leaders and activists alleging that his actions reflected discriminatory treatment of children from marginalised communities.
The incident reportedly occurred during a Praveshanolsavam programme at the Kattela Model Residential Tribal School, where Muraleedharan was welcoming newly admitted students. Videos shared on social media appeared to show him opening chocolate packets and placing or tossing chocolates onto desks rather than handing them directly to the children.
Following the circulation of the footage, critics alleged that the conduct amounted to humiliation of students, many of whom belonged to the Scheduled Tribe and other disadvantaged communities, Maktoob Media reported.
Former Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty strongly criticised the incident. In a statement, he described Muraleedharan’s behaviour as discriminatory and said it was disturbing that an elected representative could act in a manner that appeared disrespectful towards students studying at an institution attended primarily by children from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and other marginalised backgrounds.
Sivankutty further argued that such behaviour could affect the self-respect and dignity of the students. He also criticised those present at the event, noting that despite the attendance of a minister, no one had intervened to address what he viewed as disrespectful conduct towards the children.
The event was attended by Kerala Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, K. A. Thulasi, who was present as the chief guest.
According to Sivankutty, discrimination against children from socially and economically marginalised sections could not be tolerated. He said that Muraleedharan should apologise and that measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Muraleedharan, a longtime functionary associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, has been linked with the Sangh Parivar since the 1980s.
The controversy comes only weeks after his victory from the Kazhakootam constituency in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.