Speaker seeks explanation from CM on Mathew Kuzhalnadan's notice for misleading house in mentor controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Speaker M B Rajesh sought the response of the chief minister on Mathew Kuzhalnadan's notice of violation of rights in the mentor controversy. The notice for violation of rights issued alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan misled the house in the mentor controversy. Mathew Kuzhalnadan moved the notice against the chief minister on July 1 under Rule 154 of the Rules of Procedure and Administration of the Legislative Assembly.

Mathew Kuzhalnadan’s statement in the assembly was that chief minister's daughter Veena Vijayan had addressed PWC director Jaik Balakumar as her mentor. The chief minister had termed the allegations a blatant lie and responded in harsh language. Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA revealed the old information of the website of Veena's company. Soon a notice was issued against the chief minister. If a member of the house issues a notice of violation of rights, it is a natural procedure for the Speaker to seek an explanation from the person against whom it was issued. The Speaker now sought an explanation from the chief minister.