Thiruvananthapuram: A heated exchange ensued between the government and the opposition inside the Assembly during a discussion on the resolution over the murder of class 10 student Shahbaz.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan grew visibly angry when opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, who introduced the resolution, addressed him as "Mr. Chief Minister."

Opposition Leader VD Satheesan intervened, emphasising that as Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan should be receptive to criticism. Ramesh Chennithala also remarked that the Chief Minister should not dictate what he could or could not say.

The debate began when Ramesh Chennithala referred to Pinarayi as "Mr. Chief Minister" while addressing the assembly.

This led to an irate response from the Chief Minister. Pinarayi Vijayan questioned whether Chennithala's remarks, framed in such a manner, were appropriate given the seriousness of the crisis facing society.

“He keeps asking questions by calling me Mr. Chief Minister. Should I keep answering each one? It can be done. But is he talking in a way that addresses the problems facing society? Is that the right way? We should be able to understand the reality. We should be able to understand what the problem facing the state is today. It is not enough to just call me Mr. Chief Minister and ask questions from time to time,” Pinarayi Vijayan said angrily.

In response, VD Satheesan also voiced his displeasure. "You are the Chief Minister of Kerala. You are in charge of the Home Department of Kerala. You will be blamed. Why are you showing such intolerance?" Satheesan asked.

Ramesh Chennithala, defending his position, reiterated that it was his prerogative to decide how to address the Chief Minister and that the term "Mr. Chief Minister" was not unparliamentary.

The Chief Minister, in turn, urged that the discussion should focus on the matter rather than engaging in unnecessary exchanges.