Kozhikode: The Kerala Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Tuesday after Speaker AN Shamseer rejected the Congress’ notice for an emergency discussion on an alleged death threat to Rahul Gandhi.

State Congress chief Sunny Joseph had sought an immediate debate, but the Speaker dismissed the motion, saying it lacked urgency and significance under the House rules.

His remark that the issue was a “trivial matter” enraged the Opposition, who accused the Chair of undermining a serious security concern.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan lashed out, saying it was unbecoming of the Speaker to belittle a threat to a national leader. “This is not something that can be brushed aside. The Assembly has every right to discuss it,” Satheesan argued.

Shamseer, however, stood his ground, stressing that the controversy originated from a television debate and could not be treated as a basis for an emergency motion. “If someone makes a casual remark on TV, how can it be discussed here?” he asked.

His response further fueled the Opposition’s fury, with members storming the well of the House, raising slogans, and waving placards. The Speaker rushed through pending business before abruptly adjourning proceedings for the day.

The Congress has vowed to continue pressing the issue, framing it as a test of the government’s seriousness on matters of security and democratic accountability.

The ruling Left, however, accuses the Opposition of inflating a non-issue for political mileage.

With local body polls around the corner and Assembly elections looming next year, the controversy over Rahul Gandhi’s security has turned into a fresh political flashpoint in Kerala.