Sabarimala gold plating controversy: Assembly disrupted for second day following opposition protest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Legislative Assembly was disrupted for the second consecutive day as the Opposition staged a loud protest over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. Slogans, banners, and shouting against ministers echoed in the House. After hours of uproar starting from the Question Hour, four bills were passed without discussion, and the session was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

Opposition members carried banners and placards reading “Ayyappan’s gold looted" The protest began during the Question Hour, forcing the House to pause after just 21 minutes. Proceedings resumed at 9:56 a.m., and the Zero Hour began four minutes earlier than usual.

As Speaker A N Shamseer moved to the attention motions, Opposition MLAs entered the well of the House, raising banners and blocking the Speaker’s view. The repeated disruption forced several interruptions to the session. The Opposition shouted slogans such as “Thieves’ conclave, looters’ conclave! Resign and get out!” After the first attention motion, the Speaker instructed that the replies to submissions be placed on the table.

When Finance Minister K N Balagopal rose to speak, Opposition members shouted him down. “Don’t think I can be silenced by shouting. I will say what I have to say,” the minister hit back. Minister P Rajeev, who criticised the Opposition’s protest, was also met with loud jeers. He remarked that the Opposition was reacting out of frustration after repeated setbacks in court.

Opposition members demanded the resignation of Minister V N Vasavan and the removal of the Devaswom Board president.

Speaker calls for cooperation

Speaker A N Shamseer urged the Opposition to cooperate with the House proceedings. He said that the Opposition leader should take the initiative to end the continuous protest, especially when key bills are under consideration. “Such disruptions do not honour democratic values,” he added, calling for serious reflection on the matter.

“Protesting even after a special investigation team was appointed under the High Court’s supervision is unacceptable.”

— Minister P Rajeev

“The Opposition’s only goal is to create confusion. Let the facts come out through the special team’s investigation.”

— Minister K N Balagopal