THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Shanimol Osman was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as she became only the fourth woman in the state's history to hold this constitutional post.
The election took place during the ongoing first session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. Osman defeated Left Democratic Front (LDF) nominee Muhammed Muhsin by a significant margin in the voting held within the Assembly House.
Kerala Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, while announcing the results, stated, "I am announcing the result of the election. Mohammed Muhsin (LDF) secured 34 votes, while Shanimol Usman (UDF) received 99 votes. Four members abstained from voting, including the Speaker. I did not cast my vote. I hereby declare Shanimol Usman elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly."
Voting commenced at 9 AM for the post in the Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram. Both UDF and LDF members participated in the voting process. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members abstained from voting. The MLAs remained present in the House but chose not to cast their votes.
Context of the Election
The Deputy Speaker election comes days after Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delivered the policy address of the newly constituted Assembly on May 29. The address highlighted the priorities of the UDF government led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, including welfare initiatives, economic development, public sector reforms, and measures to tackle the growing drug menace in the state.
Among the key announcements were free travel for women on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, a monthly allowance for college-going female students, higher welfare pensions, enhanced health insurance coverage, and interest-free loans for young entrepreneurs.
Significance of the Election
The election is being held during the first Assembly session after the Congress-led UDF returned to power, ending a decade-long gap and forming the government under Chief Minister VD Satheesan last month. Shanimol Osman's election as Deputy Speaker is seen as a step towards greater representation of women in key constitutional roles in the state.
With inputs from ANI.
