Kerala Assembly Disrupted Over SC/ST Budget Cuts Allegations

The Kerala Assembly was disrupted by the opposition UDF on Thursday, protesting against alleged budget cuts for SC/ST communities. Tensions rose as Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan's speech was interrupted. The Speaker denied accusations of stifling opposition rights. The session was adjourned amid ongoing protests.

The Kerala Assembly proceedings were brought to a grinding halt by the Congress-led opposition UDF on Thursday, following allegations that the government's budget had significantly reduced allocation for SC/ST communities. Tensions peaked when Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, accused Speaker A N Shamseer of interrupting his speech.

Despite claims of reduced funding for these communities, the Speaker maintained Satheesan was given uninterrupted time to speak initially. Satheesan, supported by fellow opposition members, vehemently protested, asserting that speaking rights in the House were not a mere gesture of generosity from the Speaker.

The heated row saw all microphones muted and the assembly's live broadcast focusing solely on the Speaker. The opposition's protests went unheeded as money bills were fast-tracked and the House was adjourned until the next session on March 3. The debate raised questions about the government's commitment to Dalit welfare projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)