Opposition members protesting over the Sabarimala temple gold plating controversy, in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Credit: PTI Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday witnessed unruly scenes over the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple gold missing row, with members of the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front and the ruling CP(I)M-led Left Democratic Front engaging in a heated exchange of words.
The proceedings of the House were disrupted for the third consecutive day following the Opposition’s protest demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan said the Opposition won't cooperate with the House until the Devaswom Minister resigns and Travancore Devaswom Board president and members are expelled. The Opposition also demanded a court-monitored CBI probe into the gold missing issue, alleging that the CP(I)M sold the gold plating of the ‘dwarapalka’ idols of Sabarimala temple to some rich person.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that there was vested political interest in seeking a CBI probe — an oblique reference to the allegations that the BJP government at the Centre has been misusing Central agencies against non-BJP ruled States. He also said that stringent action would be taken against the culprits. The probe by a team led by ADGP (Law and Order) H Venkatesh, ordered by the High Court, would be effective, he said.
As the day's proceedings began, the Opposition members trooped to the well of the House, raising slogans accusing the government of “looting” temple gold. They raised banners in front of Speaker A N Shamseer to block his view. As some members tried to climb the Speaker's dais, the watch-and-ward staff blocked them, which led to commotion.
Meanwhile, some MLAs of the ruling front trooped towards the well of the House. It led to a heated exchange of words. Ruling front MLAs alleged that some Opposition MLAs tried to attack the Chief Minister. As tension escalated, the Speaker stopped the proceedings.
As the House resumed after around 10 minutes, the Opposition boycotted the House. The Opposition accused the Speaker of favouring the ruling front MLAs.
The Chief Minister accused the Opposition of continuously disrupting the Assembly proceedings.