Thiruvananthapuram: The bill presented in connection with ward delimitation of local governing bodies has been passed in the assembly without referring it to the subject committee and without even discussing it on the floor. Though it was earlier stated that, the Kerala Municipality (Second Amendment) Bill and the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) bill, presented in connection with delimitation of wards of local governing bodies, would be referred to subject committee, as the opposition MLAs started voicing their protest over liquor policy demanding a detailed inquriy into the allegations, the bill was passed amidst the uproar of the opposition MLAs and without a discussion.

Terming this as extraordinary, VD Satheesan, leader of opposition, has given a letter against this to speaker AN Shamseer. 

The bill presented by LSGD minister MB Rajesh was passed within minutes after the presentation while the opposition MLAs were shouting slogans near the dais of speaker. To make things easier, the clause included in the bill that it should be referred to the subject committee was cancelled. The opposition MLAs, who were protesting against the ‘bar scam’ when the bill was presented in the assembly, have given a complaint to the speaker only later. 

As per the custom, the bills presented in the assembly would be referred to a subject committee and the amendments suggested by the committee would be discussed on the floor later. Once the governor signs the bill, the government could move ahead with steps to be taken in connection with the delimitation of wards. 

While speaking to reporters, Minister MB Rajesh said that the opposition had informed the government during the unofficial discussions that they have no objection in passing the bills. If the opposition had not created a pandemonium, the government would have discussed the bill in the assembly, minister said.