MALAPPURAM: Left Independent MLA KT Jaleel made an implicit retort to assembly speaker A N Shamseer for the latter’s harsh criticism.

“While talking on the private university bill, I went a tad longer than the allotted time. If anyone felt it was a criminal offense, I can only sympathize. Coming from the League stronghold of Malappuram for the fourth time in a row, I may speak with a little vigor. It will be difficult to understand for those selling dates in Mecca," the sardonic Facebook post said without mentioning the speaker’s name.

Many believe the phrase was used to taunt Shamseer, who won for a CPM stronghold, while Jaleel defeated the odds to win from the League bastion Thavanur.

Jaleel also responded to a CPM follower’s comment, which went viral. To the comment, “Better not go to assembly for a few days. Stay at home rather than inviting the wrath from Shamseer” Jaleel made a repartee “Haven’t shivered in front of league leaders, so this is not even a challenge”

Jaleel refused to end his speech despite the Speaker's repeated requests as the allotted time ended. Shamseer criticized Jaleel's disrespect for the chair and remembered that the Thavanur MLA carried no special rights.