Gold theft: Ruling front and opposition clash again in Assembly; don't try to frighten us, says V Sivankutty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ruling front and the opposition once again clashed in the Kerala Assembly today over the Sabarimala gold theft case. A heated verbal exchange took place between the opposition benches and Education Minister V. Sivankutty. Sivankutty warned the opposition against attempting to intimidate the ruling front by raising the gold theft issue. He also took a swipe at the opposition, alleging that those involved in the gold theft had gone to meet Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

“Let the opposition raise slogans or protest in the House, but they should not try to frighten ministers. Do not attempt to intimidate the ruling front. We are not people who entered by breaking open roofs. We came here by contesting elections and winning. Say whatever you want to the opposition. Don't try to lecture us. Everyone knows that the gold thieves had gone to meet Sonia Gandhi,” Sivankutty said.

Following his remarks, the opposition raised slogans against Sivankutty. The ruling side mocked the opposition, calling them people who carried out abortions. After this, the opposition walked out of the Assembly in protest. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan told the media that the serious issue raised in the Assembly was not taken up for discussion. He also alleged that the government was unnecessarily granting parole to party-linked criminals.

“Party prisoners in jail have mobile phones. They sit in jail and carry out quotations. Where do they get the money from? Everything from alcohol to food is delivered to them in jail. How is all this possible? Even money for bribes is being provided by the party. This is an issue that should be discussed in the Assembly. But it is not being taken up. Why? Because CPM leaders are afraid of the accused,” V.D. Satheesan said.