Muvattupuzha - Administration

It is relevant to explore the prominent personalities in Muvattupuzha who were involved in social and political work. Up to 1888 the rule of thumb of the king prevailed. Afterwards, we find people up to P.M.Ismail, Muhammed Basheer and a host of others who devoted their life for the development of Muvattupuzha. The Travancore Legislative council was set up in 1888 comprising of representatives of the people to advice and assist the government. In 1904 the Sree Moolam Prajasabha consisting of the elected representatives of the people came into existence. Both these houses were modified and expanded from time to time. The first person to represent Muvattupuzha as MLC (member of Legislative council) was Elanjickal Tharyethu KunjiThomman. When we speak of KunjiThomman a particular incident comes to the picture. The present Kochangadi was under the control of the Muvattupuzha village union, which was used as play grounds and sugarcane field. When attempts were made tough to evacuate the settlers from this area, KunjiThomman intervened and blocked this attempt. The settlements were transferred to the residents by granting title. This is an excellent example to how a public servant should act and react to solve the burning problem of the people.

The administration of post-independent Muvattupuzha was entrusted with three-member village union nominated by the government. The first president of the village union was Vakil V.P. Govindan Nair. Haji A.P.Makkar and Penditta Gopala Pillai were the other members of the Union. Muvattupuzha became a Panchayath in 1953. The first president of this Panchayath was Kunnappillil Varkey Vaidyan. In 1958 it was upgraded as a Municipality. Sri. N.Parameswaran Nair M.A. LLB was the first chairman of the municipality. The Muvattupuzha Municipality has a unique place in the political history of Kerala in as much as it is the first Municipality in Kerala were Communists captured power through adult franchise.

The First member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Muvattupuzha is late K.M.George. E.P.Poulose was elected from Ramamangalam Constituency. Both of them became ministers at different periods. George Thomas Kodukappilli is the first MP (Member of Parliament) from Muvattupuzha Parliament constituency. Everybody knows later part of the History including Johnny Nellore MLA and P.C.Thomas MP, which is part and parcel of contemporary history. Still, the little ‘Muvattupuzha man as Muvattupuzha MP’ is the exclusive privilege of P.P.Esthose. As the able son of an able father, Sri Francis George, son of K.M.George, is in the field representing Idukki Constituency in the Parliament.