Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Kerala Legislative Assembly experienced a surge of tensions on Thursday when Speaker A.N. Shamseer announced the suspension of three Congress MLAs, Roji M. John, M. Vincent, and Saneesh Kumar, after a heated confrontation that resulted in the injury of the Chief Marshal.

This suspension was suggested by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh, attributing it to serious breaches of Assembly discipline.

The confrontation arose during a demonstration by the opposition regarding several issues, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's body-shaming comments and the contentious sale of the Sabarimala gold-plated Dwarapalaka idol.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan brought these matters to light in the Assembly, accusing ministers and ruling party members of making unparliamentary remarks while the Speaker allegedly failed to intervene.

Satheesan also alleged that watch-and-ward personnel were deployed to intimidate opposition members.

“The opposition’s protest was conducted peacefully, demanding the resignation of Minister V.N. Vasavan and the removal of Devaswom Board members,” Satheesan stated.

He further urged for accountability against those involved in the theft and sale of the temple idol.

Following Satheesan’s remarks, opposition members advanced into the Assembly hall, chanting slogans and displaying banners stating, “LDF’s Alchemy Turned Ayyappa’s Gold into Copper.”

The Speaker ordered officials to confiscate the banners, although enforcement was only partially successful.

Minister Rajesh accused the opposition of engaging in “hooliganism” during the proceedings.

As tensions mounted, verbal disputes erupted between ruling and opposition members, with watch-and-ward personnel obstructing opposition MLAs from accessing the Speaker’s dais.

Assembly proceedings were temporarily halted due to the disruptions. Although the House later reconvened, the opposition chose to boycott the remainder of the session.

This incident follows a previous controversy where the Chief Minister ridiculed the stature of an opposition MLA, implying physical limitations in confronting the watch-and-ward staff, including a female marshal.

Such remarks have intensified opposition protests, which persist both inside and outside the Assembly.

The suspension of these three MLAs signifies the latest development in a series of protests and confrontations, reflecting the escalating political tensions within the Kerala Assembly.