Kerala Assembly Session Concludes in Dramatic Chaos Amid Sabarimala Gold Theft Row
The first phase of the ongoing Kerala Legislative Assembly session ended on a highly dramatic and chaotic note on Thursday, with proceedings repeatedly disrupted by intense opposition protests over the Sabarimala gold theft cases and disputes regarding aided school appointments. The assembly premises in Thiruvananthapuram transformed into a theatre of confrontation as both the ruling front and opposition raised slogans and staged demonstrations, leading to the cancellation of key business.
Speaker Cancels Question Hour Amid Intensifying Chaos
Speaker A N Shamseer was forced to cancel the question hour and all motions scheduled for the day after the chaos intensified significantly. Despite the disruptions, other listed business, including the crucial appropriation bill, was passed amid continuous sloganeering from the opposition benches. The current phase of the assembly session formally concluded with the House scheduled to reconvene on February 23, but not before a day marked by unprecedented protests.
Unprecedented Protests and Counter-Protests Rock Assembly
As soon as the speaker adjourned the session, LDF MLAs staged an unusual counter-protest, rising together, shouting slogans, and marching out in a coordinated show of strength. They accused the opposition of making baseless allegations over the Sabarimala gold heist cases and dismissed their protests inside the House as mere theatrics designed to disrupt governance.
Earlier in the day, disruptions peaked immediately after the assembly began. Opposition members advanced to the front of the speaker's dais, raised loud slogans, and effectively blocked the smooth conduct of legislative business. Slogans demanding the government's resignation and alleging that those responsible for stealing ‘Ayyappa's gold' had received bail echoed throughout the chamber, creating a tense atmosphere.
Rare Protest March and Floor Demonstrations
In a rare act in the assembly's history, opposition members began protesting even before the proceedings started, assembling at the gates and staging a demonstration. Unlike the usual practice of taking their seats quietly, they entered the assembly as part of a protest march, raising slogans from the very entrance of the chamber. Once inside, opposition members sat on the floor of the well of the House, continuing their vocal protests and refusing to yield.
After leaving the House, opposition members continued their vigorous protest at the assembly entrance, ensuring their demands remained visible. For a brief period, the entire assembly complex became the scene of simultaneous demonstrations by both sides, highlighting the deep political divisions over the Sabarimala issue and other contentious matters.
The day's events underscored the heightened political tensions in Kerala, with the Sabarimala gold theft cases serving as a flashpoint for broader opposition grievances. As the House adjourned, it was clear that these issues would likely dominate proceedings when the session resumes later this month, setting the stage for continued political drama in the state assembly.
