'Modi fears no one, unlike opposition leader who fears ED': BJP MLA sparks uproar in Kerala assembly

Thiruvananthapuram: A heated exchange broke out in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday after BJP MLA BB Gopakumar was allowed to speak during a discussion on an adjournment motion, triggering objections from Opposition members.

The controversy began after the Speaker rejected an adjournment motion notice moved by the Opposition. Following the walkout speech by LDF MLA K Rajan, BJP legislator BB Gopakumar rose to speak.

Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan intervened, noting that Gopakumar had not signed the adjournment motion notice and therefore could make only brief remarks.

Some members objected, arguing that such a move should not become a precedent. The Speaker assured them that it would not.

During his remarks, Gopakumar responded to criticism made by Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over fuel prices.

Pinarayi had alleged that the country had earlier imported crude oil from Russia and Venezuela at discounted rates, but had stopped doing so because it was not favoured by the United States and President Donald Trump.

“India had been buying oil from Russia and Venezuela at lower prices. It was stopped because America and Trump did not like it. Russian oil was available at a 40 per cent discount. When Trump dictated terms, the NDA government surrendered to US interests,” Pinarayi said.

Hitting back, Gopakumar defended the Prime Minister and accused the Opposition Leader of fearing the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

“Modi is not someone who bows before anyone. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, who fears the ED, Modi has the strength to present India’s position before any world leader, including Trump,” Gopakumar said.

The remarks sparked loud protests from LDF legislators. The Speaker urged members to show some leniency, noting that it was Gopakumar’s first speech in the Assembly.

Pinarayi Vijayan then intervened, saying the Speaker’s “generosity” was evident but pointed out that the move was a deviation from Assembly rules.

With a smile, Speaker Thiruvanchoor asked, “Shouldn’t there be some generosity?” He added that there was no need for hostility from the very beginning and that some accommodation could be shown, drawing laughter across the House.

Explaining his decision, the Speaker said Gopakumar was making his maiden speech in the Assembly and that his own parliamentary traditions did not allow him to interrupt and stop a new member midway through such an address.

Later, RJD MLA PK Praveen remarked that the same generosity shown to a new member should also be extended to them.