Kochi: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated in the Assembly that there is no need to stop proceedings to discuss the alleged abduction of CPM woman councillor Kala Raju from Koothattukulam. The Chief Minister asserted that there were efforts to change Kala Raju’s party allegiance and sought to know how such moves of defection could be encouraged. He emphasised that an atmosphere supporting such undemocratic actions must be resisted.

The Chief Minister's remarks came in response to MLA Anoop Jacob's demand for stopping Assembly proceedings to discuss the matter. Anoop Jacob had earlier submitted a notice to the Speaker seeking to present an adjournment motion on the issue.

The Chief Minister assured the Assembly that if there is any law-and-order issue, the police will take strict action. He described the promotion of undemocratic practices like forcible removal as a serious matter. He also mentioned that Kala Raju had certain complaints, which the police had acted upon firmly.

Following the Chief Minister's response, Speaker A N Shamseer ruled that there was no need to stop assembly proceedings for further discussion on the issue.