Kerala governor asks opposition to behave, Left MLAs walk out

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) may boycott the Governor’s address ahead of the budget when the state Legislative Assembly convenes for its final session on Friday.

As the governor continued with his address, opposition members were up on their feet, holding up placards and banners seeking the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and other ministers over corruption allegations. You should now allow me to do my job. “I am noting all your objections”. “Now you may leave the House or sit without making any disturbance”, said the Governor when the opposition started raising slogans to disrupt his speech.

With the opposition in an unrelenting mood, the governor then addressed the deputy leader of the opposition Kodiyeri Balakrishnan: “Balakrishnan, this might happen to you also; so better you sit quiet or leave”. I know your protest is not against me but it is against the government. Entire nation is watching you. “You have made your point and I have also noted it”.

The Governor’s remarks appeared to cause some confusion in the Opposition benches, but soon the Opposition members obliged to his request and moved out of the House shouting slogans against the government.

Sathasivam did not begin his speech till the Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan was through with his statement on the corruption charges against the state government. There are allegations against Chief Minister and his minister. The allegations have been denied by the Chief Minister before the judicial commission.

Excise Minister K Babu, too, resigned after the vigilance court ordered the registration of an FIR against him the bar case.

The session, which will last until February 25, is expected to be turbulent in view of the two major scandals haunting the Chandy Government and the upcoming Assembly election.