Death threat remark on Rahul Gandhi: Clash in Assembly, opposition MLAs attempt to reach Speaker's dias

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Legislative Assembly witnessed a chaotic scene yesterday after the Speaker denied permission to introduce an adjournment motion on a BJP leader’s threat to shoot Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Opposition MLA Sunny Joseph had submitted the notice protesting the government’s failure to arrest BJP spokesperson Printu Mahadev, who reportedly made the threat during a TV debate. The Speaker, AN Shamseer, refused to allow the notice, saying it was not an urgent matter and that statements made on television cannot be discussed in the Assembly.

Protesting the decision, opposition members rushed to the well of the house, shouted slogans, and tried to reach the Speaker’s dais. Security personnel blocked them, leading to scuffles. The uproar escalated, and the proceedings were adjourned within 20 minutes. The Assembly will reconvene on October 6.

During the disruption, opposition members held up a black banner demanding justice, climbed the dais, and blocked the Speaker’s view. Rulings to submit the issue as a formal submission were rejected by the opposition. The incident saw intense slogans against the government, with members claiming that the Pinarayi Vijayan government supports the RSS and fears them.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan said, “We are protesting the Speaker’s remark that the death threat against Rahul Gandhi is not serious.”

Minister P Rajeev responded, “Those who love Rahul Gandhi did not bring the matter to the House for three days. This is just a symbolic protest.”