Gave extra time to opposition; Minister A P Anil Kumar criticises Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar has accused Kerala Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan of allowing extra speaking time to opposition members during the Assembly proceedings. The minister alleged that the Speaker gave additional time for the opposition’s walkout speech after an adjournment motion notice related to the spread of viral fever.

Anil Kumar claimed that the Opposition Leader was allowed 15 minutes to speak, while the CPI leader was given seven minutes. He pointed out that for the past 10 years, the Opposition Leader has been allotted only 10 minutes for walkout speeches. Objecting to the extension of time given during the latest session, the minister told the Speaker that such a practice could not be accepted.

Responding to the allegation, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said that the Opposition Leader spoke for only 12 minutes, while K Rajan spoke for five minutes. He added that the timing arrangements could be reviewed in light of the concerns raised and said he was ready to take a fresh decision on the schedule if required.