'Turn off his mic'; Speaker interrupts MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan's speech

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The assembly speaker on Monday denied permission for MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan to raise corruption allegations during the general discussion of the budget.

"You are not allowed to say that, please turn off the member's mic...”, this was the quick reply that came from the speaker that incensed the opposition members who all alleged hypocrisy.

The opposition brought in last week’s incident when MLA P V Anwar alleged Rs 150 crores corruption against the opposition leader without submitting any proof. The speaker then allowed Anwar to continue his tirade of allegations. But when it came to Mathew Kuzhalnadan, the rules were tweaked. The opposition thus protested in front of the speaker’s chamber. CM Pinarayi Vijayan was not present during the debate.

MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan later reached the media room in the assembly and said he had new valid proof of corruption that involved the CM’s daughter.

“Presenting such details in the assembly is akin to presenting it to the people. But the speaker denied me, which was undemocratic. As I was denied permission, I will not raise the issue inside the assembly. I will reveal every detail to the public in the coming days after consulting with party leadership.” Said Mathew Kuzhalnadan.

When it was time for Mathew Kuzhalnadan to speak, the speaker reached the house in a hurry. He replaced N. Shamsuddin who was in the chair and took control of the House.

Speaker A.N.Shamseer claimed that he had the authority to deny permission for the written allegation under Rule 285 if he was sure that the allegation would taint the dignity of the house.