What Happened to Kerala Minister Sivankutty During the Assembly Session?
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Synopsis
Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty fell ill during an Assembly session, leading to his hospitalization. Despite being a significant figure in Kerala politics, his health condition raises questions about his future in the upcoming elections. Will he be able to continue his political journey amidst health struggles?
Key Takeaways
- V. Sivankutty fell ill during an Assembly session.
- He was admitted to the hospital for observation.
- His health condition is currently stable.
- He has a notable history in student politics.
- His future in politics may be affected by his health.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 19 ( IANS) Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty, aged 71, experienced a health crisis on Friday morning while addressing questions in the Assembly and was subsequently admitted to a hospital.
During the question hour, as the House session commenced at 9 a.m., Sivankutty appeared visibly uncomfortable while speaking. Although Speaker A.N. Shamseer urged him to take a break, the minister was determined to continue briefly.
State Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh then took over the responsibility of answering questions pertaining to the Education Department.
Sivankutty eventually exited the Assembly and was transported to the hospital, where he remains under observation.
Medical professionals have confirmed that his condition is currently stable.
The senior leader of CPI(M) has been receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease in recent years.
The 14th Session of the 15th Kerala Assembly, which is the final session before this year’s local body elections, started on Monday and is expected to finish on October 12.
Sivankutty, a two-term legislator and former Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, has made a name for himself in student politics as a key figure in the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
A close ally of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his appointment as Education Minister garnered attention due to his extensive history of leading student protests since the 1970s.
First elected from the Nemom constituency in 2011, he lost this seat in 2016 to BJP veteran O. Rajagopal, who made history as the first BJP MLA in the Kerala Assembly.
Sivankutty reclaimed the seat in 2021, defeating former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan.
He is also remembered for the tumultuous 2015 budget session when, as an opposition MLA, he led a protest inside the House against then Finance Minister K.M. Mani.
Images of Sivankutty standing on the Assembly table with his dhoti raised and damaging equipment went viral and were used against him in the 2016 elections.
Despite facing controversies, Sivankutty remains one of the CPI(M)’s leading figures in the state capital, as he is accessible to constituents and maintains a humble demeanor in his prominent role. With the BJP eyeing the constituency in the upcoming 2026 elections, there is keen interest in whether the veteran politician will contest again, despite his health issues.
Point of View
The health of political leaders is crucial as it can impact governance and public policy. V. Sivankutty's situation highlights the human aspect of politics, reminding us that leaders, despite their political stature, face health challenges. The attention on his condition also reflects the public's interest in the stability of local governance as elections approach.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to V. Sivankutty's hospitalization?
V. Sivankutty fell ill while responding to questions in the Kerala Assembly and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for observation.
What is V. Sivankutty's political background?
He is a senior leader of CPI(M) and has served as the Education Minister, with a history of involvement in student politics.
Has V. Sivankutty faced any health issues before?
Yes, he has been undergoing treatment for Parkinson’s disease in recent years.
What are the implications of his health on the upcoming elections?
His health status may influence his decision to contest in the next elections, especially as the BJP aims to reclaim the constituency.
What is the current status of his health?
Doctors have reported that his condition is stable and he is under observation at the hospital.
