Thiruvananthapuram, 22 May 2025 — In a scene rarely witnessed in Kerala's political history, the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly threw open its sprawling complex to ordinary citizens on Thursday as 139 newly elected lawmakers were sworn in, transforming a formal constitutional exercise into what observers described as a genuine 'festival of democracy.'

An Assembly Without Barriers

The imposing Kerala Assembly complex in Thiruvananthapuram shed its customary aura of exclusivity for the day. Security cordons were conspicuously absent, entry passes were not demanded, and aggressive frisking — a staple of routine Assembly sessions — gave way to open corridors. Party workers, former legislators, political enthusiasts, and curious members of the public walked freely through passages that are ordinarily tightly regulated.

The only area that remained off-limits was the entrance leading directly onto the Assembly floor. Everywhere else, the atmosphere resembled a civic carnival: animated conversations, hurried greetings, and a steady stream of selfies filled the halls.

Even the Coffee Shop Went Public

In a symbolic gesture that drew particular attention, the Assembly coffee shop — traditionally reserved for legislators and accredited journalists — was opened to all visitors. 'It's bumper business today,' a canteen employee said, smiling, as he struggled to keep pace with the crowd that poured in for tea, snacks, and political gossip.

New Political Equations on Display

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State General Secretary S. Suresh was among the familiar faces drawing attention, visibly upbeat as his party returned to the Assembly with three legislators — a notable presence after a period of limited representation. 'Now we will be seen here more often,' Suresh said. 'You just wait and see, we are going to make big changes and the Assembly will become far more interesting.'

Another figure drawing glances was former minister K. P. Mohanan, who until recently occupied the treasury benches in the outgoing Assembly. This time, he walked the corridors carrying the press pass of the newspaper he owns. 'I have now returned to my profession,' Mohanan said. 'I decided not to contest again and handed over the seat to my nephew, and he won too.'

Significance of the Occasion

The oath-taking of the 16th Kerala Assembly marks the formal commencement of a new legislative term following the state elections. The decision to open the complex to the public — rather than restrict access to credentialed visitors — was widely noted as an unusual and deliberate gesture of democratic openness. This comes amid broader national conversations about citizen access to institutions of governance.

With the new House now constituted, attention turns to the first sitting of the 16th Assembly, where the contours of treasury-bench priorities and a reinvigorated opposition — including a BJP presence — will begin to take shape.