Kerala Assembly Chaos: Opposition Protests Over Sabarimala Gold

The Kerala Assembly witnessed significant turmoil on March 13, 2024, as opposition parties intensified their protests for the third consecutive day regarding the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. The Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, stated that the opposition would continue to boycott House proceedings until the resignation of the Devaswom Minister and the dismissal of the Devaswom Board members.

Speaker MB Rajesh reminded assembly members that discussions on the issue should adhere to proper procedures, requiring a formal notice. Despite this reminder, the opposition’s protests disrupted the question hour, leading to visible frustration from the Speaker. Rajesh expressed disappointment over the chaotic scenes, especially as students observed the proceedings from the visitors’ gallery. He questioned whether such behavior was appropriate for a democratic institution, labeling it “not befitting of a democracy.”

Heated Exchanges and Physical Confrontations

Tensions escalated within the assembly when Education Minister V Sivankutty derided the opposition by shouting accusations of thievery, using the phrase “Chor hai, chor hai, poora chor hai,” meaning “They are thieves, all of them” in Hindi. This provoked a louder response from opposition members, who waved placards and banners as they advanced toward the Speaker’s chair.

A scuffle erupted between the Watch and Ward personnel and opposition MLAs when the latter attempted to push past to reach the Speaker’s podium. The situation deteriorated further when opposition members displayed an old photograph of Minister Sivankutty, igniting outrage among the ruling party members.

Ministers Join the Protest, Forcing Adjournment

In a show of solidarity, Minister Muhammed Riyas was the first from the government benches to enter the well of the House to confront the opposition. Other ministers quickly followed, forming a protective circle around Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

This escalation of events prompted the Speaker to adjourn the session as tensions remained high. The ongoing protests reflect deepening divisions within the assembly, as both sides remain steadfast in their positions regarding the controversial gold plating issue surrounding the Sabarimala temple.

The situation in Kerala’s assembly highlights the challenges of parliamentary discourse, underscoring the significant impact of public sentiment and political rivalry in the region. As the protests continue, the resolution of the Sabarimala gold plating controversy remains uncertain, with both sides firmly entrenched in their demands.