‘What is so special about tantri?’; Minister MB Rajesh amid Opposition uproar in Kerala Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition staged a protest in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, raising the issue of the Sabarimala gold theft case and disrupting proceedings. As the House convened, Opposition members moved into the Well of the House, sat on the floor and raised slogans.

In the absence of the Leader of the Opposition, Thrippunithura MLA K Babu raised the matter. He said two Opposition MLAs were holding a satyagraha outside the Assembly demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, and that the protest inside the House was in solidarity with them. K Babu added that the Opposition would not be able to cooperate with the proceedings of the House.

During Question Hour, LSG Minister M B Rajesh questioned what “special consideration” was being sought for the tantri (chief priest), who is an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He further alleged that the Muslim League is waiting to welcome BJP. Rajesh also asked how many Congress members currently present in the House would remain in the party the following day, and questioned whether the UDF’s stand was that everyone except themselves who had “stolen gold” should be brought before the law.