Fresh chapter for Keralam governance as Keralam MLAs to take oath at first session of 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly
Thiruvananthapuram, May 21
The newly elected members of the Keralam Legislative Assembly are set to take the official oath on Thursday as the historic first session of the 16th legislative term begins in Thiruvananthapuram. Reflecting on the responsibilities of the house toward the general population, state legislators, while speaking to, expressed a shared commitment to parliamentary duties and constituency welfare as they prepare to take their official oaths
Reflecting on the personal milestone and outlining his approach to the upcoming parliamentary tenure, United Democratic Front (UDF) MLA Ramesh Pisharody remarked, "I am very excited for my new role."
CPI MLA-Elect K Rajan, ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, noted, "I will function as the most creative Opposition. Unfortunately, three more BJP MLAs are taking the oath. Their victory is the people's mandate. It is the Communists who are building political resistance against the BJP in Kerala and across the country. Earlier, BJP's O. Rajagopal was an MLA in the Assembly. When I was the Chief Whip, I used to sit right next to him. There is no right to reject those whom the people have elected to the Assembly. That is not democratic decorum either. We will work together happily as colleagues."
Speaking to ANI, Congress MLA Vidya Balakrishnan stated, "For the first time I contested the assembly polls, and now I am going to take oath for my constituency Elathur, I am very happy today...I am planning to work on the things that directly impact the people of my constituency."
Detailing the responsibilities of the progressive front inside and outside the parliamentary walls, CPI MLA-Elect P Prasad stated, "Three more BJP MLAs are also taking oath. That is happening as part of democracy. We are accepting that. I am someone who has the responsibility to uphold my politics, my stand, and the word given to the people, both inside and outside the Assembly. People will realise whose politics is right. Over the past five years, we have seen that the Opposition meant a side that creates uproar. The Opposition has its own responsibilities. The Left will be present inside and outside the Assembly as a constructive Opposition for the next five years."
Earlier, on Wednesday, Senior MLA G Sudhakaran was sworn in as the pro tem speaker of the Keralam Legislative Assembly at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The oath-taking ceremony was held in the presence of Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
This comes after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) officially assumed power in Keralam on Monday, ending ten years of Communist Party of India-led (Marxist) Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule. In a grand, packed ceremony held at the Central Stadium in the state capital, 61-year-old VD Satheesan took the oath of office and secrecy as the state's 13th Chief Minister.
Wasting no time after the grand ceremony, Chief Minister Satheesan chaired his first Cabinet meeting, rolling out an immediate policy implementation to fulfil core election promises.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As the most creative Opposition, I will ensure the Left's voice is heard. Yes, three more BJP MLAs are taking oath—that's democracy at work. But make no mistake, the Communists will continue to build political resistance against the BJP's divisive agenda, not just in Keralam but across India. We will work together as colleagues, but we will never compromise on our principles. People will see whose politics is truly for the working class. 💪
Wonderful to see fresh faces like Vidya Balakrishnan taking oath! Elathur needs development-focused leadership. But I do hope the new government prioritises issues like flood relief and healthcare over political theatrics. The people have high expectations from this UDF government after 10 years of LDF rule. Let's see if they deliver. 🤔
P Prasad's statement is refreshingly honest—Opposition should be constructive, not just noise. The last five years of LDF rule had too much disruption. Hope all parties focus on real issues: unemployment, infrastructure, and education. Keralam deserves better! 👏
Interesting to see the political dynamics here. CPI MLAs accepting BJP MLAs as part of democracy—that's the spirit! But I wish the same openness was extended to other issues. The real test will be how the government handles the Sabarimala controversy and other sensitive matters. Hoping for mature debates in the House. 🤞
CM Satheesan's first cabinet meeting rolling out policies immediately shows they mean business. The '100-day plan' better include flood control and tourism revival. Keralam has immense potential—hope the new government doesn't waste it
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