Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (NationPress) The Kerala Assembly experienced tumultuous scenes for the second consecutive day as an adjournment motion brought forth by the Opposition regarding amoebic meningoencephalitis (brain fever) ignited a heated debate between the treasury and Opposition members.

Congress MLA N. Shamsudheen, who introduced the motion, accused the government of mismanaging this rare yet lethal illness and claimed they were “groping in the dark” when it came to identifying its origins.

He alleged that the true death toll was being hidden, stating: “The minister is attempting to obscure the actual statistics and shift the blame onto the prior UDF government. The health sector is crumbling. Although there is a captain, the ship has already sunk.”

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan bolstered the critique, highlighting that while this disease has been documented globally since 1965 with approximately 500 cases, Kerala alone has reported over 120 cases, including 68 this year.

“Eight individuals have succumbed to this illness in merely 15 days. In 2025 alone, there were 69 cases and 19 fatalities. Even a four-month-old infant has been impacted. Yet, there is no treatment protocol or preventive measures. Is it contaminated water, swimming pools, or wells? These are critical questions the government must address earnestly,” he urged, emphasizing the need for expert and Central assistance if necessary.

In defense of the government, Health Minister Veena George asserted that amoebic brain fever is exceptionally rare and can arise anywhere.

She maintained that Kerala has ensured prompt diagnosis and medical treatment, and that specific treatment guidelines have been established for 2024.

“Kerala has effectively managed crises like Nipah, and our public health system remains robust,” she stated, also pointing out recent enhancements in infrastructure, including cath labs and advanced treatment facilities in government hospitals.

The treasury benches rallied in support of George, accusing the Opposition of personal attacks.

They ridiculed the Congress for their “hypocrisy,” referencing the controversies surrounding suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. MLA K.U. Janeesh Kumar jokingly remarked that “some even need paracetamol and cetrizine to sleep,” while T.A. Madhusoodanan commented that “targeting the minister will not undermine the government.”

The impassioned debate illustrated how the emergence of amoebic brain fever has not only heightened public health concerns but also intensified political fractures within the state, with the ruling LDF uniting to defend the Health Minister as the Opposition escalated its critique.