Is the Suspension of Kerala Opposition MLAs a Conspiracy by the Speaker?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sunny Joseph accuses Speaker A.N. Shamseer of conspiracy.
- Claims of assault on the Chief Marshal are fabricated.
- Opposition plans to escalate protests across Kerala.
- Historical context of violence among ruling CPI-M members.
- Gold plating theft controversy tied to the current protests.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 9 (NationPress) The President of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and MLA Sunny Joseph has accused Speaker A.N. Shamseer of orchestrating the suspension of three Opposition MLAs as a part of a calculated conspiracy, stating that allegations of assaulting the Chief Marshal are completely fabricated.
The Assembly saw increased tension as Speaker Shamseer suspended Congress MLAs Roji M. John, M. Vincent, and Saneesh Kumar following a clash that reportedly injured the Chief Marshal.
Joseph emphasized that no Opposition member had harmed the Chief Marshal during the incident, asserting, “The Assembly proceedings are televised. If there was any assault, it would have been visible. No such incident took place.”
He further claimed that the Speaker devised a plan in his chamber before announcing the Chief Marshal's injury, saying, “This is not the first time such baseless claims have been raised. Similar allegations were dismissed after medical examination.”
Joseph accused the ruling CPI-M of trying to stifle legitimate dissent from the Opposition within the Assembly.
He recounted instances of Ministers confronting Opposition MLAs physically, criticizing the Chief Minister for defending such actions, and highlighted the violent protests led by members of the ruling party in the past.
Joseph pointed out that the current Education Minister V. Sivankutty had once climbed onto a desk during a tumultuous Assembly session, labeling it a “permanent blot on democratic decorum.”
He linked these protests to the escalating controversy surrounding the alleged theft of gold plating at the Sabarimala temple, noting that Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan admitted the theft occurred during the initial term of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI-M government, validating the Opposition's claims.
Joseph announced plans for the Congress to amplify its protests, starting with a significant gathering of believers in Pathanamthitta and statewide marches culminating in Pandalam on October 18.
The unfolding Sabarimala gold plating scandal has caused turmoil within the Kerala Assembly, with the Congress-led Opposition vowing to continue their efforts until Vasavan resigns.