Congress members called Malappuram 'Little Pakistan', says KT Jaleel; ruckus in assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KT Jaleel's remark, "Didn't Congress members ask 'why do we need a little Pakistan?' to criticise the formation of Malappuram district?" caused an uproar in the assembly. The opposition members came to the Speaker's dais, and the opposition leader intervened to dissuade them.

The leader of the opposition raised the issue of law and order by saying that the Congress leaders were people who were reluctant to divide the country and that what Jaleel had done was an insult to Gandhi and what he said were things that should not have been said in the House. With this, the Speaker gave a ruling that the words used will be examined. The opposition protested again after the remark was repeated again. The opposition leader said it was an insult to the Speaker.

Continuing his speech, Jaleel spoke about CH Muhammed Koya's defence of the allegation that if Malappuram district is formed, a Pakistani warship will come up on the Tanur seaboard. According to Jaleel, CH Muhammed Koya said "If a ship comes like that, it will be coming through the Arabian Sea. Nehru will be asked to disband the Indian Navy, which could not chase that ship away. We want a district still."

This was opposed by PK Basheer. Jaleel said that this was in the book containing CH's speeches and that PK Basheer may not have read it. An enraged Basheer jumped up and turned against Jaleel. "Who is this guy to tell me whether I have read it or not," Basheer asked. The speaker switched off the mic when personal remarks began. League leaders also intervened. Yet Basheer did not cool down. Basheer calmed down when Kunhalikutty got up and asked him to keep quiet. The opposition locked horns several times during Jaleel's speech. The Speaker warned that the time was running out. Jaleel said that he cannot speak when there is a ruckus. The impatient Speaker said, "Just stand up." When the time ran out, the Speaker called the next person.