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The State Assembly had to adjourn twice on Friday when members nearly came to blows after heated exchanges over a progressively evolving solar scam.
It was the third on day on trot when placard-wielding members of the Opposition forced premature closure to the day’s business.
UTTER CHAOS
The House plunged into utter chaos and disorder with the Opposition seeking to move an adjournment motion, following which some members charged into the well of the House.
Sensing trouble and seeking to protect treasury benches, members of the ruling coalition ran down the isle challenging the Opposition members.
Matters could have come to a head but for the timely intervention by senior members who prevailed on those occupying the well and held them back.
Speaker G. Karthikeyan announced adjournment at this juncture and retreated to his chamber. He summoned leaders of rival fronts for a meeting and sought help for peaceful conduct of business.
ABRUPT END
The House reassembled a short while later and the adjournment motion was taken up yet again.
But the Opposition took objection to the reply of Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and began to shout him down forcing an abrupt end to the session.
Later, Opposition members marched to Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor and press its demand that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy step aside and face a judicial probe for his office’s alleged role in the scam.
Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan told newspersons that the Governor had expressed his concern in the matter and promised to intervene.
FRIDAY RECESS
There was no question of the Opposition budging until a judicial probe was instituted against the Chief Minister, he said.
Two of his personal staff have already been removed for suspected links with Saritha Nair, co-accused in the solar scam. She is facing a number of fraud charges along with Biju Radhakrishnan, prime accused.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister piloted and the House passed a resolution seeking a recess on Friday in view of the monsoon flood-related havoc reported from many parts of the State.
The Opposition had threatened that they would throw a ring around the Assembly complex on Friday to ensure that no normal business gets conducted unless the government gives in to its demand.
vinson.kurian@thehindu.co.in
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