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Key Points

For the third straight day, the Kerala Assembly witnessed major disruptions over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. Opposition leader VD Satheeshan declared they would continue withholding cooperation until the Devaswom minister resigns. The situation escalated when opposition members covered the Speaker's face with banners during Question Hour. Ultimately, the proceedings had to be cancelled due to the ongoing protest and security concerns.

Key Points: Kerala Assembly Uproar Over Sabarimala Gold Plating Row Continues

  • Opposition members raised banners covering Speaker's face during protest
  • Security personnel deployed after pushing and shoving incidents
  • Speaker criticized protest tactics in front of children in gallery
  • Question Hour cancelled due to ongoing legislative disruption
  • Opposition alleges ministers initiated problems despite respectful behavior
2 min read

Sabarimala gold plating row: Uproar in Kerala assembly for third day

Opposition protests for third day demanding Devaswom minister's resignation over Sabarimala gold plating controversy, leading to cancelled Question Hour.

"We will continue to withhold cooperation in legislative proceedings until the Devaswom Minister resigns - VD Satheeshan"

Thiruvananthapuram, October 8

For the third consecutive day, the Kerala Legislative Assembly was rocked by an uproar from the opposition parties over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy on Wednesday.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheeshan, demanding the resignation of Kerala Devaswom minister, said, "For the past two days, the opposition has not cooperated with the Assembly proceedings. We will continue to withhold cooperation in legislative proceedings until the Devaswom Minister resigns."

Responding to the developments, Parliamentary Affairs Minister MB Rajesh remarked, "In the Sabarimala gold plating controversy, the opposition could have moved an adjournment motion. Instead, the opposition leader and party members have chosen this confrontational approach."

A conversation also transpired between the Kerala Assembly LoP and Speaker AN Shamsee, where the former alleged that while the opposition is "behaving respectfully", certain ministers of the state government are "initiating problems".

"The provocation came from the Chief Minister's side. The opposition has been behaving respectfully towards the Chief Minister. It was the ministers, Muhammad Riyas and Saji Cheriyan, who initiated the problems", the LoP said, prompting the Speaker to respond with "don't say that".

In response, the LoP said, "Don't lie while sitting in the Speaker's chair. The opposition is boycotting the Assembly proceedings."

During the Question Hour, Speaker AN Shamseer faced protests as opposition members raised banners in front of the dais, covering the Speaker's face. Security was tightened on both sides of the dais, with watch and ward personnel deployed to maintain order.

Speaking on the incident, Speaker Shamseer said, "Covering the Speaker's face in protest is not the right course of action. The Speaker also has rights. Yesterday, the entire gallery was filled with children, and they are still present in the gallery today. The opposition's antics are being observed by these children. Is this what they should be learning?"

Despite repeated requests to the opposition members to return to their seats and allow proceedings to continue, the MLAs persisted with their protest. Tensions escalated into pushing and shoving between the watch and wardens and the opposition members. Ultimately, the Question Hour was cancelled due to the disruption.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the opposition's concerns, disrupting assembly proceedings and covering the Speaker's face is not the way. Children were watching from the gallery - what message are we sending to the next generation?
A
Ananya R
Gold plating controversy at Sabarimala? This is serious! Temple funds should be used properly. The government must conduct a thorough investigation and punish the guilty. Ayyappa devotees deserve better!
M
Michael C
As someone who visited Sabarimala last year, this news is concerning. The temple administration should maintain highest standards of integrity. Political parties should focus on solving the issue rather than creating drama in assembly.
S
Siddharth J
Both sides are at fault here. The opposition should have used proper parliamentary procedures instead of protests, and the government should address the allegations seriously. Sabarimala is above politics!
K
Kavya N
Third day of uproar? Our tax money is being wasted while important legislative work suffers. Can't they discuss this like mature leaders? The common people are suffering because of their political games. 😠

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