Opposition disrupts proceedings in Kerala House for second consecutive day over CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s 'extremist' remark
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s extremist reference, aimed at the Opposition UDF, disrupted Assembly proceedings for the second consecutive day. Even as the Opposition raised the issue, the Speaker made it clear discussions on the remarks would not be entertained. Irked by the Speaker’s decision not to allow the notice for an adjournment motion over the Chief Minister’s remarks in the House on Thursday, the UDF boycotted the Assembly on Friday. Protesting against Pinarayi’s extremist remarks, Opposition members wore badges reading ‘Chief Minister, am I a terrorist?’ in the House.
Pinarayi’s remarks on the Opposition encouraging extremist elements have defamed the entire state especially the people of Aluva, the UDF alleged. Pinarayi refuted the charges and went on to clarify while repeating some of those who assaulted police in Edathala have extremist links. He went one step further adding the accused has terror links also. The UDF’s attempt is to cover up the issues within the front, Pinarayi said.
Earlier the House witnessed pandemonium after Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan denied permission to move a notice for the motion. Raising the issue, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said the remarks lowered the dignity of the House. “Never in the history of the state, a Chief Minister has raised such allegations. Being the minister, holding the home portfolio, his remarks are of serious in nature,” said Chennithala while challenging the Chief Minister to prove his comments.
Denying permission for the notice, the Speaker said the issue has been raised before the Chair and is under consideration. There is no precedence of allowing notice on adjournment motion over remarks made in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister A K Balan argued that the Chief Minister has not stated that the Opposition legislators have extremist links. The Opposition rose in protest when the Speaker made it clear that the notice cannot be allowed. The UDF legislators barged into the well of the House protesting against the decision.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister rose to clarify his stance which invited further protests from Opposition legislators. Irked by this, the legislators from the Treasury Benches too started gathering and moving towards the well. Even as the Speaker permitted the Chief Minister to speak, the Opposition boycotted the proceedings and left the House.
Pinarayi’s clarification
Clarifying his remarks on Thursday, Pinarayi explained those who had assaulted police officers in Aluva have extremist-terrorist links. “One of the accused in the assault case was a co-accused of Mohammed Raheem - killed in an encounter with security forces in Kashmir - in many cases. The person involved in Aluva incident is an accused in 2 UAPA cases. Also, he is involved in anti-national extremist activities. Why is the Opposition trying to protect such an individual,” Pinarayi asked adding the person has terror links.
Bid to cover up cops’ lapses, says Chennithala
Ramesh Chennithala told reporters the CM had lost his sense to make such allegations and was trying to cover up police lapses with such remarks and accusations. “There can be many people who protested after the event. Why should UDF be blamed for that,” he asked. Opposition deputy leader M K Muneer of IUML said the Left was trying for religious polarisation.