Kerala: Violence brought disgrace to the assembly, says Speaker

Kerala Assembly, which met on Monday after the violent incidents during the budget presentation on March 13, saw Speaker N Sakthan observing that the ugly scenes on that day had brought "disgrace" to the House.

"We have shamed ourselves in front of the world. We need to hang our heads in shame in front of the world and apologise to the people. The whole world saw the happenings of the House on March 13", the Speaker said soon after the question hour which began on a sombre note. Sakthan also mentioned about the attack by LDF MLAs on his dais.

Shortly thereof, the Speaker adjourned the House for a brief while and called a meeting of leaders of various parties of both the Fronts in the House. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has sought permission to move a motion seeking action against opposition LDF MLAs.

Deputy Leader of the LDF Kodiyeri Balakrishnan gave notice for an adjournment motion seeking action against MLAs who allegedly manhandled women members during the violence, which saw ruling and opposition members coming to blows during the budget presentation by Finance Minister K M Mani, facing charges in the bar bribery scam, and the dais of the Speaker being vandalised.

The violence prompted Governor P Sathasivam to express deep concern and called for appropriate action against those responsible for the 'unruly behaviour'.