Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (NationPress) The debate surrounding the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple has led to significant turmoil in the Kerala Assembly for the third day in a row on Wednesday. The Opposition vehemently protested, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan.

On Wednesday, unlike previous days, the opposition lawmakers entered the well of the House and began chanting slogans, while the Speaker persisted with the Question Hour. However, as tensions escalated, members of the treasury bench also joined the fray, leading to the Watch and Ward staff forming a barrier between the two sides.

With less than 10 minutes left in the Question Hour, sensing the impending chaos, the Speaker decided to suspend the session momentarily.

The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, reiterated that the Opposition would not engage in House activities until the minister steps down and the members of the Devaswom Board are dismissed.

“We will not let the Assembly function until accountability is established,” Satheesan asserted.

Speaker M.B. Rajesh reminded the Opposition that discussions must adhere to procedure and formal notices are required.

The protests disrupted the Question Hour, with Opposition MLAs raising slogans and brandishing placards within the Assembly.

Visibly frustrated, the Speaker noted that protests occurred while school students were present in the visitors’ gallery.

“You obscured the Speaker’s view while chanting slogans. Is this what we want children to witness? Such behavior is unbecoming of democracy,” Rajesh commented, highlighting that the Opposition even attempted to use a female MLA, recovering from an accident, as a shield.

As tensions heightened, Minister V. Sivankutty retaliated, shouting “chor hai, chor hai” (all are thieves), further escalating the verbal confrontation.

A physical altercation ensued between the Watch and Ward staff and Opposition members as they tried to approach the Speaker’s podium.

The Opposition displayed old images of Minister Sivankutty, inciting anger among Treasury members.

Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas was the first to enter the well to counter the protests, while other ministers formed a protective circle around the Chief Minister.

The situation became chaotic as both ruling and Opposition benches shouted over one another.

The gold-plating issue has escalated into a significant conflict between the government and the Opposition, with protests intensifying both inside and outside the Assembly.