The Congress-led Opposition UDF disrupted proceedings in the Kerala Assembly for the third consecutive day Friday, demanding discussion on the Sabarimala temple issue, leading to an early adjournment of proceedings.

The third day of the session saw proceedings, which began at 9 am, lasting hardly 22 minutes after Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan disallowed the opposition demand to suspend all businesses during the Question Hour and take up the adjournment motion on the Sabarimala issue.

As soon as Question Hour began, UDF MLAs rushed to the speaker’s podium armed with a black banner and placards, raising slogans demanding withdrawal of Section 144 (prohibitory orders) in Sabarimala temple complex and protection of faith of pilgrims.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala requested the Speaker to do away with the Question Hour and take up their adjournment motion to discuss hardships being faced by hundreds of pilgrims visiting Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala during the ongoing “Mandala-Makkaravillakku” season.

“When such a serious issue is being faced by pilgrims at Sabarimla, should not the Opposition raise it in the House,” he said.

The Speaker, tried to calm down members, but in vain.

He said the House had discussed the Sabarimala issue for eight hours.

The Kerala High Court has appointed a three-member committee to observe activities at Sabarimala during the current pilgrim season, he said.

“We do not have only a single issue. There are other matters to be taken up, such as the devastation caused by floods, Air Force has asked the State government payment for relief works undertaken,” the speaker added.

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