LDF worker dies during protest outside Kerala Assembly

A worker of CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) died of heart attack during the protest outside the Kerala Assembly on Friday. Earlier in the day, the leaders of the opposition parties staged a protest against Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani outside the state assembly.

Members of the LDF and the BJP's youth wing gathered around the assembly complex in large numbers to prevent Mani, who is facing a vigilance probe in the bar scam case, from presenting the state budget. Several people were injured as the police used water cannons and tear gas to bring the situation under control. The police also baton charged some of the protestors as the protests turned violent.

The chaos began early this morning as the opposition MLAs moved to stop Mani from entering the assembly. There was uproar in the Kerala Assembly as Mani read out the budget surrounded by his party men and security personnel. Several MLAs were also injured in the clash inside the assembly as the Speaker's chair and mics were thrown by the legislators.

The CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has been demanding Mani's resignation, has alleged that the Finance Minister accepted a bribe of Rs 1 crore to renew licences of bars that were shut down by the administration.