THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Muslim League leader P K Kunhalikutty skipping the voting on triple talaq bill replacing the ordinance making the practice of talaq a penal offence, has led to a controversy. He failed to cast his vote as he had to attend the marriage of the daughter of an NRI. His absence in the vice-presidential polls earlier had also sparked a controversy.

The bill was passed yesterday after a four-hour long discussions. When 245 voted in favour of the bill, 11 opposed it. The Congress, ADMK and Samajwadi parties staged a walkout objecting to the clause that prescribes a three year jail term. E T Muhammed Basheer of the Muslim League voted against the bill. Kunhalikutty was at this time in Tirur. The picture of Kunhalikutty attending the marriage function has gone viral.

A senior leader skipping from voting at a time when the Muslim League showered criticisms against the triple talaq bill is being condemned. The Muslim League has so far not reacted on it.

Meantime, Minister K T Jaleel said that Kunhalikutty has committed a serious mistake. The party always says that the interest of the Muslim community will be protected. The leader skipping the discussions and voting of the crucial bill is like cheating the community and the society of Kerala. The Muslim League owes an explanation on it, Jaleel said. INL leader N K Abdul Aziz alleged that the leader skipping the voting is part of a match fixing by the Muslim League and the BJP. Aziz asked League to take strong action against Kunhalikutty.