Kerala Assembly Session Resumes Amid Sabarimala Gold Heist Protests
The Kerala Legislative Assembly session in Thiruvananthapuram resumed after a break, only to be immediately engulfed in fresh protests by the opposition. The focus of the uproar was the controversial Sabarimala gold heist case, which opposition members raised vociferously in the House.
Opposition Initiates Protest Over Gold Theft Case
With opposition leader V D Satheesan away on his Puthu Yuga Yatra, senior MLA K Babu spearheaded the protest. The opposition cited the collective bail granted to the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case and aligned their stance with that of the tanthri (temple priest), who is also an accused in the matter.
Alleging that the tanthri was arrested for not supporting violations of temple customs, opposition members boycotted the proceedings. They announced non-cooperation in the House, trooped into the well, and raised slogans, intensifying the political drama.
Government's Response and Counter-Allegations
Responding to the protest, Law Minister P Rajeeve stated that the opposition's criticism was effectively directed against the high court. He told Babu that he should consider himself as having gotten an opportunity to speak. Rajeeve emphasized that the government did not interfere in the special investigation team probe.
"Whether the tanthri was a complainant or an accused is the government's concern," Rajeeve said. He added that no report has been placed before the government, and the investigation is under the high court's supervision, with the government having no role in the probe.
Rajeeve further alleged that the opposition's move was aimed at paving the way for a BJP yatra and termed the Congress's stand as extremely dangerous for secular Kerala. In response, opposition members entered the well again and raised slogans, escalating the protest.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister's Remarks
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh questioned what special privilege the tanthri had and alleged that the UDF and BJP were taking up the accused's cause. Rajesh described the Congress's move as political manoeuvring centred on the tanthri.
Meanwhile, treasury benches displayed posters holding up an image of Sonia Gandhi and Unnikrishnan Potti in defence, adding a visual element to the heated exchanges.
Assembly Proceedings Amid Protests
Despite the protests, the speaker continued with the Question Hour proceedings. However, other businesses were quickly rushed through, including sending bills to the subject committee for consideration.
In the backdrop of the opposition's ongoing protests, the assembly session is likely to be adjourned on Tuesday. A decision was taken to guillotine the remaining proceedings, as reliably learned. Nine bills, including the Appropriation Bill, are expected to be passed on Tuesday. Besides two finance bills, the Nativity Card Bill will also be taken up and passed, marking a swift conclusion to the session amidst the political turmoil.
