Opposition Stages Walkout Over Transfers in Kerala Assembly
Thiruvananthapuram: The opposition parties in the Kerala Legislative Assembly staged a walkout on Wednesday for the second consecutive day after Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan refused to allow an adjournment motion regarding the alleged large-scale transfer of government employees in violation of norms.
The adjournment motion was moved by CPM MLA V Joy, who accused the government of carrying out mass transfers of employees bypassing established rules and procedures. Since Chief Minister V D Satheesan was not present in the assembly, Power and Environment Minister Sunny Joseph responded on behalf of the government. He stated that transfers were a routine administrative exercise and assured that any complaints raised by employees would be examined. Following the minister’s response, the Speaker declined permission for the adjournment motion.
Minister Joseph strongly rejected the opposition’s allegations and maintained that all transfers had been carried out strictly in accordance with the rules and prescribed guidelines. He explained that May is traditionally a period when a large number of government employees retire from service, necessitating routine transfers and postings across departments. To defend the government’s actions, Joseph cited replies given by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in previous assemblies regarding transfers during the previous LDF government’s tenure.
However, Joseph’s explanation failed to satisfy the opposition, prompting sharp criticism from opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan. The opposition leader alleged that the transfer process had begun even before the new government formally assumed office. He claimed that nearly 2,000 employees had been transferred in violation of rules and procedures.
Vijayan further accused the government of taking punitive action against employees for sharing social media posts. He described the suspension of employees for such reasons as a cruel measure. He also criticized the government’s decision to terminate contract employees working in Kudumbashree without issuing prior notice, calling the action inhumane and noting that courts had found some of those employees eligible for regularisation.
With the Speaker refusing leave for the adjournment motion, opposition members walked out of the House in protest.
