Opposition disrupts Kerala Assembly proceedings
Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition disrupted the proceedings in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday, leading to adjournment of the House till next Wednesday.
The Chief Minister Oommen Chandy moved a motion to cancel sittings scheduled for Friday and Monday and take up Vote on Account relating to the coming year’s Budget on Wednesday and the House adopted it.
The Opposition protest began after the Speaker refused permission to move an adjournment motion given notice of by A. M. Ariff (CPI-M) on the death of a CPI (M) worker Shibhu at Pallippuram near Aroor.
Mr. Ariff said that that the RSS had attacked Shibhu and his family members since he had complained against the local group selling ganja in the locality. Shibhu died a few days later. Though it was a murder, the police had not registered a case for murder.
He added that if the police had taken action on complaints against the drug peddlers, the murder would not have happened.
Opposing discussion on the matter, Home Minister Ramesh Chenitthala said that it was not a political murder. There were skirmishes between two groups of drug peddlers in the locality and Mr. Shibhu had filed a complaint against them. It was for the police to decide on details of the charge-sheet. Action would be taken irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.
On the basis of the explanation of the Minister, the Speaker denied permission to move the motion and that led to an Opposition walkout. Leading the walkout in the absence other Opposition leaders, Mr. S. Sarma (CPI-M) said that the government was a total failure on the law and order front. None had been arrested in the case so far.
The Opposition members returned to the House soon after and announced that they would not be cooperating with the conduct of the business because corrupt ministers were continuing in office. They then moved into the well of the House and started raising slogans demanding resignation of the Chief Minister and other ministers.
The House had initiated discussion on the Budget for the coming year yesterday but no worthwhile discussion had taken place on the Budget. Today, the Speaker curtailed the debate and called the Chief Minister to reply. But, the Chief Minister’s speech was drowned in the din created by the Opposition. After making various announcements relating to the Budget, Mr. Chandy tabled this full speech.
Related reports (announcements)
- Log in to post comments
