Heated Exchange in Kerala Assembly Over Minister's Competence
The Kerala Assembly on Tuesday saw a fiery confrontation between Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan over remarks allegedly questioning the competence of state Fisheries Minister V E Abdul Gafoor. The incident occurred after Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan denied permission for an adjournment motion moved by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) concerning non-distribution of adequate financial assistance to fishermen during the ongoing 52-day trawling ban.
Opposition Leader's Remarks Spark Row
During his walkout speech, Vijayan claimed that Forest Minister Shibu Baby John's intervention while Gafoor was responding to the adjournment motion was intended to imply that the Fisheries Minister was "not competent" to answer queries. The Speaker cautioned Vijayan, stating that as a senior politician and Opposition Leader, he should not have made such a remark. Vijayan countered, asserting that he did not question Gafoor's competence but criticized John's intervention, which he deemed inappropriate.
"I did not insult anyone. I am not saying that he (Gafoor) is incompetent," Vijayan clarified.
CM Satheesan's Response
Chief Minister Satheesan responded by pointing out that during the LDF's tenure, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh and Law Minister P Rajeev had intervened during adjournment motions while ministers were speaking. He cited records of such instances in the House. Satheesan defended Gafoor's performance, stating that the Fisheries Minister had answered the motion clearly and competently. He urged Vijayan to withdraw his comments or have them expunged from House records.
"The fisheries minister gave his reply to the adjournment motion in a clear and competent manner. Therefore, a person of your stature (Vijayan) should not have made remarks that defame the minister. I expect you to withdraw your comments, failing which they should be removed from House records by the Speaker," Satheesan said.
Vijayan Accuses CM of Misleading House
In reply, Vijayan accused the Chief Minister of trying to mislead the Assembly. He clarified that when the then Parliamentary Affairs or Law Ministers intervened, they did so only after the concerned minister had concluded their remarks. The opposition subsequently staged a walkout.
Forest Minister's Explanation
Following the walkout, Forest Minister Shibu Baby John explained that his intervention was meant to highlight that a rural employment guarantee scheme initiated by the previous Oommen Chandy government was discontinued by the Left government. John stated he did not intend to question Gafoor's competence but to provide context to the debate.
