Chief Minister irked by Chennithala's 'Mr Chief Minister' comment; did not say anything unparliamentary, replies Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala launched a scathing attack on the Kerala government during an adjournment motion notice in the state assembly. He alleged that the increasing incidents of violence in schools and colleges and mass murders in the state were primarily due to rampant drug abuse.

The assembly suspended other proceedings to discuss the rising violence and the worsening drug menace in the state. It was during this discussion that Chennithala presented the adjournment motion. Lashing out at the Chief Minister, Chennithala stated that even after nine years in power, there had been no significant anti-drug initiatives from the government. Throughout his speech, Chennithala repeatedly addressed the Chief Minister as "Mr. Chief Minister," which irked the CM.

Visibly annoyed, the Chief Minister stood up and questioned whether repeatedly saying "Mr. Chief Minister" was the right approach. "What message is Chennithala trying to convey to society? It is not enough to keep saying 'Mr. Chief Minister' and asking questions. One must understand the real issues the state is facing," the CM responded.

Chennithala, in turn, hit back, stating that the Chief Minister had no authority to dictate how he should deliver his speech. "I have the right to speak as I choose. I do not need the Chief Minister’s permission to speak about the rising violence in the state. Addressing him as 'Mr. Chief Minister' is not unparliamentary," Chennithala said.

The Chief Minister, however, maintained that the discussion should focus on the actual issue at hand rather than unnecessary remarks.