The Kerala Assembly on Tuesday witnessed heated scenes as opposition UDF MLAs attempted to enter the Speaker’s dais as part of their protests against the LDF government over the alleged slow pace of investigation in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

Congress-Led UDF Walks Out Of Kerala Assembly During Question Hour

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday (Oct 10) passed a resolution, opposing the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in a significant pushback against the central government.&nbsp;

The resolution was moved by the southern Indian state's parliamentary affairs minister, MB Rajesh&nbsp;on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi&nbsp;Vijayan, who was absent due to health reasons.&nbsp;

“It is anti-democratic to treat elections for Parliament, state assemblies, and local self-government bodies merely as an expense. This is an attempt to erode India’s rich cultural, social, and political diversity,” said Rajesh.&nbsp;

“Destroying the federal system enshrined in the Constitution is tantamount to denying the rights of state and local governments, and it also challenges the fundamental rights of the people,” he added.

The support for the motion was unanimous as the opposition, led by&nbsp;Mannarkad MLA N Samsudheen, granted his full support.&nbsp;Samsudheen said the proposal impacted the country's federal structure, adding that it was a threat to state governance and democratic processes.&nbsp;

With the passing of the resolution, Kerala has become the first state to oppose the move. Apart from Kerala, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin - both part of the INDIA bloc, have voiced concerns against the proposal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-nda-govt-in-india-to-implement-one-nation-one-election-within-its-current-tenure-report-758896" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report</a>

<h2>Cabinet approves 'One Nation, One Election'</h2>

It was last month that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government&nbsp;approved the proposal for 'One Nation One Election', which has been a key poll promise by the BJP.&nbsp;

The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented before the cabinet.

The panel in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-nation-one-election-explained-what-is-it-and-how-it-will-work-700187" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work</a>

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<h2>Previous instance&nbsp;</h2>

Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken.

The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday (Oct 10) passed a resolution, opposing the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in a significant pushback against the central government.

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday (Oct 10) passed a resolution, opposing the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in a significant pushback against the central government. The resolution was moved by the southern Indian state's parliamentary affairs minister, MB Rajesh on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was absent due to health reasons. “It is anti-democratic to treat elections for Parliament, state assemblies, and local self-government bodies merely as an expense. This is an attempt to erode India’s rich cultural, social, and political diversity,” said Rajesh. “Destroying the federal system enshrined in the Constitution is tantamount to denying the rights of state and local governments, and it also challenges the fundamental rights of the people,” he added. The support for the motion was unanimous as the opposition, led by Mannarkad MLA N Samsudheen, granted his full support. Samsudheen said the proposal impacted the country's federal structure, adding that it was a threat to state governance and democratic processes. With the passing of the resolution, Kerala has become the first state to oppose the move. Apart from Kerala, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin - both part of the INDIA bloc, have voiced concerns against the proposal. Also read | NDA govt to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India during current term: Report Cabinet approves 'One Nation, One Election' It was last month that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government approved the proposal for 'One Nation One Election', which has been a key poll promise by the BJP. The approval was granted after a report prepared by a high-level panel headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind was presented before the cabinet. The panel in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step, followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. Watch | 'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work × Previous instance Elections (to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies of States) were mostly held simultaneously from 1951-52 to 1967, after which this cycle was broken. The panel is of the view that holding simultaneous polls will help save resources, spur development and social cohesion. It will also deepen the "foundations of the democratic rubric" and help realise the aspirations of "India that is Bharat". (With inputs from agencies)

India: Kerala Assembly passes motion opposing BJP's 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal

Communist Party of India (Marxist) is leading on 56 seats in Kerala Assembly elections as counting of votes underway in the state. While Congress rinning with 23 seats so far.

The counting for 140 seats in the state has begun today at 8 am with COVID-19 protocol in place.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has made necessary arrangements for counting, which is taking place amid an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The polling in the state was held in a single phase on April 6.

The counting of votes has also started today for the high-stakes Assembly polls in - Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union territory of Puducherry adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

The counting is done under the shadow of a raging coronavirus pandemic to elect their next governments.

The EC has made elaborate arrangements for smooth and safe counting in 822 Assembly constituencies in five States/UT and by-polls in 4 parliamentary constituencies and 13 assembly constituencies across 13 states.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) is leading on 56 seats in Kerala Assembly elections as counting of votes underway in the state. While Congress rinning with 23 seats so far.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) is leading on 56 seats in Kerala Assembly elections as counting of votes underway in the state. While Congress rinning with 23 seats so far. The counting for 140 seats in the state has begun today at 8 am with COVID-19 protocol in place. The Election Commission has made necessary arrangements for counting, which is taking place amid an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. The polling in the state was held in a single phase on April 6. The counting of votes has also started today for the high-stakes Assembly polls in - Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union territory of Puducherry adhering to COVID-19 protocols. The counting is done under the shadow of a raging coronavirus pandemic to elect their next governments. The EC has made elaborate arrangements for smooth and safe counting in 822 Assembly constituencies in five States/UT and by-polls in 4 parliamentary constituencies and 13 assembly constituencies across 13 states.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leads on 56 seats in Kerala Assembly polls

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-passes-resolution-seeking-withdrawal-of-caa-271267">notice for resolution</a> by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A recall is a procedure by which, one can remove an official before his/her tenure is ended. Chennithala had given the notice to move the resolution when the House convened on January 29 for the budget session. The ruling Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the resolution.

Chennithala on Wednesday accused Khan of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-assembly-witnesses-disruptions-over-sabarimala-issue-181126">weakening the federal system</a> of the state and working in tandem with the central government while trying to weaken all non-BJP state governments. "He is weakening the federal system and working as a tool of Home Minister Amit Shah and trying to weaken non-BJP state governments," Ramesh Chennithala had told reporters.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-drama-in-kerala-assembly-as-mlas-block-governors-way-display-anti-caa-placards-277196">High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards</a>

Chennithala also accused the Governor of working as the state president of BJP. "Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is ridiculing the Kerala assembly for passing a resolution requesting the central government to withdraw CAA. He is acting as the state president of BJP, as a tool in the hands of RSS and BJP," he said.

Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Khan read out a portion against the CAA in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Earlier, a controversy erupted after Khan said that the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was "illegal" as it did not have his approval. After a resolution was passed in the State Assembly seeking withdrawal of the CAA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has approached the apex court against the law.

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the notice for resolution by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

Kerala Assembly's business advisory committee on Friday dismissed the notice for resolution by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, demanding a recall of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. A recall is a procedure by which, one can remove an official before his/her tenure is ended. Chennithala had given the notice to move the resolution when the House convened on January 29 for the budget session. The ruling Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the resolution. Chennithala on Wednesday accused Khan of weakening the federal system of the state and working in tandem with the central government while trying to weaken all non-BJP state governments. "He is weakening the federal system and working as a tool of Home Minister Amit Shah and trying to weaken non-BJP state governments," Ramesh Chennithala had told reporters. Also Read: High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards Chennithala also accused the Governor of working as the state president of BJP. "Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is ridiculing the Kerala assembly for passing a resolution requesting the central government to withdraw CAA. He is acting as the state president of BJP, as a tool in the hands of RSS and BJP," he said. Addressing the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Khan read out a portion against the CAA in his policy address stating that he was doing so to "honour the wish" of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Khan said although he disagreed with the state government over its resolution requesting the Centre to abrogate the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Earlier, a controversy erupted after Khan said that the state government's decision to move the Supreme Court against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was "illegal" as it did not have his approval. After a resolution was passed in the State Assembly seeking withdrawal of the CAA, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has approached the apex court against the law.

Kerala Assembly dismisses resolution to recall Governor Arif Mohammed Khan

Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/breach-of-protocol-kerala-governor-fumes-after-state-government-moves-supreme-court-over-caa-274651">high voltage drama</a> with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-governor-seeks-explanation-from-state-chief-secretary-over-governments-moving-sc-against-caa-275285">displaying anti-CAA</a> posters against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as soon as he arrived in the House to address the budget session that began today.

MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-have-to-implement-caa-under-article-254-kerala-governor-275122">escort the governor</a> to his podium.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-kerala-punjab-now-maharashtra-mulls-resolution-against-citizenship-amendment-act-275185">After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act</a>

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had accompanied Khan into the House when UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House. Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address.

MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly. Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.&nbsp;

He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as soon as he arrived in the House to address the budget session that began today.

Kerala Assembly on Wednesday witnessed high voltage drama with Opposition MLAs chanting "go back governor" and displaying anti-CAA posters against Governor Arif Mohammad Khan as soon as he arrived in the House to address the budget session that began today. MLAs of the United Democratic Front (UDF) displayed placards and raised slogans while blocking the governor's path and House marshals had to rush to escort the governor to his podium. Also Read: After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had accompanied Khan into the House when UDF MLAs blocked Khan's way as he arrived in the House. Only after he was escorted to his chair by Assembly marshals could the Governor begin his address. Several MLAs staged a walkout in protest as soon as he began his address. MLAs were protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state assembly. Congress and Kerala Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Monday accused the Governor Arif Mohammad Khan of acting as an agent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further alleged that Khan was acting against the dignity of the state assembly.

High drama in Kerala Assembly as MLAs block Governor's way, display anti-CAA placards

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-should-resign-and-say-i-dont-have-trust-in-constitution-says-gvl-narasimha-rao-271248">resolution seeking withdrawal</a> of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

"The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged.

Cornering the BJP and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cab-to-function-like-a-one-time-drive-says-top-rss-functionary-267715">RSS</a>, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler".

The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly.

Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country."

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-is-humanitarian-opposition-creating-panic-among-people-bs-yediyurappa-271064">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added.

Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines.

"There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said.

Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people."

"Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said.

He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted.

The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong

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Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda.

Kerala Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Before the resolution was passed against the Act, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a special Assembly session targetted RSS and said that citizenship law is part of an agenda. "The CAA is part of an agenda. Muslims are being considered as internal enemies by RSS, who is controlling the ruling dispensation at the Centre," he alleged. Cornering the BJP and RSS, Vijayan read a portion of a book by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar and alleged that the "RSS is following ideas of Hitler". The resolution moved by the Chief Minister earlier in the day was supported by all other parties except BJP that has a lone member O Rajagopal in the Assembly. Moving the resolution Vijayan said, "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 has sparked great agitation across the country. University students, workers, employees and public figures, including people from all walks of life, have come out in strong protest. This form of religious discrimination has created a false impression in the international community about our country." "The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has raised concerns among the Malayalee community living around the world. It is in this context that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is discussing the resolution on the Act," he added. Pinarayi said that the Act divides people on religious lines. "There is a general feeling across the country that religion-based discriminatory provisions have been introduced in the CAA. It has spread to the streets as protests. The basis of this objection is that the amendment has been enacted by ideas which challenge the fundamental principles of our Constitution and democracy," he said. Making clear that Kerala will not carry forward the National Population Register (NPR) process and will not build detention centres, he said: "It is important to address concerns raised in the context of the new citizenship law. Census-like activities are something that should be carried out with the full cooperation of the people." "Attempts to make it in line with the vision of the Centre will only raise concerns. That is why it has been decided to stop the preparation of the National Register of Citizens as currently announced and the NPR for which information will be collected. At the same time, the state government is fully cooperating with the usual census related activities," he said. He said all processes connected to detention centres has been stopped. "No detention centres will come up in Kerala," he asserted. The new law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Also Watch: Gravitas: Jagmeet Singh: CAA is wrong ×

Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking withdrawal of CAA

Days after courting controversy over a list of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-case-kerala-govt-says-51-women-have-entered-sabarimala-temple-191271">51 women who had entered the Sabarimala temple</a>, the Kerala government Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine after a Supreme Court's judgement removed the bar on their entry.

In a written reply in the state assembly, the government also said the visit of a Sri Lankan woman in early January was yet to be confirmed.

Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, in response to an unstarred question, said two women had offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine according to the report of the temple executive officer.

He also said they were awaiting confirmation on whether Sasikala, the 47-year-old Sri Lankan woman whose visit was earlier confirmed by sources in the Chief Minister's Office and police, visited the hill shrine.

Surendran was replying to a question by opposition Congress legislators on how many women in the age group of 10-50 years had offered prayers at the temple after the September 28 apex court verdict.

The CPI(M)-led state government had filed an affidavit in the apex court on January 18, saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the recently concluded annual pilgrim season.

However, controversy erupted later as some women who were named in the list were above 50 years of age. Names of at least two men had also crept into the list.

In response to another question, Surendran said the authority to take a decision on matters related to the shrine's customs and traditions was not entrusted with the temple's 'tantri' (head priest) alone.

According to the Devaswom Manual, if any violation of traditional customs occurs, it is for the officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to hold talks with the head priest and take a final decision on atonement rituals, he added.

Last month, the head priest, Kandaru Rajeevaru, had closed the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine to perform a 'purification' ceremony after two women offered worship at the temple.

The TDB, the apex temple body in Kerala, has sought an explanation from him.

The annual pilgrimage season witnessed widespread protests from frenzied devotees and right-wing groups over the LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine.

During the season, over two dozen women devotees, some of whom were branded as activists, unsuccessfully attempted to trek the hill.

However, on January 2, two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindhu (42), offered prayers at the shrine, breaking a centuries-old tradition.

Before the Supreme Court's verdict, women in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate).&nbsp;

Days after courting controversy over a list of 51 women who had entered the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala government Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine after a Supreme Court's judgement removed the bar on their entry.

Days after courting controversy over a list of 51 women who had entered the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala government Monday said only two women of menstrual age had visited the shrine after a Supreme Court's judgement removed the bar on their entry. In a written reply in the state assembly, the government also said the visit of a Sri Lankan woman in early January was yet to be confirmed. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, in response to an unstarred question, said two women had offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine according to the report of the temple executive officer. He also said they were awaiting confirmation on whether Sasikala, the 47-year-old Sri Lankan woman whose visit was earlier confirmed by sources in the Chief Minister's Office and police, visited the hill shrine. Surendran was replying to a question by opposition Congress legislators on how many women in the age group of 10-50 years had offered prayers at the temple after the September 28 apex court verdict. The CPI(M)-led state government had filed an affidavit in the apex court on January 18, saying 51 young women had entered the temple during the recently concluded annual pilgrim season. However, controversy erupted later as some women who were named in the list were above 50 years of age. Names of at least two men had also crept into the list. In response to another question, Surendran said the authority to take a decision on matters related to the shrine's customs and traditions was not entrusted with the temple's 'tantri' (head priest) alone. According to the Devaswom Manual, if any violation of traditional customs occurs, it is for the officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to hold talks with the head priest and take a final decision on atonement rituals, he added. Last month, the head priest, Kandaru Rajeevaru, had closed the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine to perform a 'purification' ceremony after two women offered worship at the temple. The TDB, the apex temple body in Kerala, has sought an explanation from him. The annual pilgrimage season witnessed widespread protests from frenzied devotees and right-wing groups over the LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's verdict, allowing women of all ages to enter the hilltop shrine. During the season, over two dozen women devotees, some of whom were branded as activists, unsuccessfully attempted to trek the hill. However, on January 2, two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindhu (42), offered prayers at the shrine, breaking a centuries-old tradition. Before the Supreme Court's verdict, women in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is a "Naishtika Brahmachari" (perennial celibate).

Only 2 women visited Sabarimala: Kerala minister tells Assembly

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala were Monday involved in a war of words in the state assembly over the Sabarimala Temple issue, leading to disruption of House proceedings for the fourth day.

Three UDF MLAs also began an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the entrance of the House on the issue.

As the war of words continued and Congress-led Opposition UDF MLAs began shouting slogans, the House was adjourned for the fourth day by Speaker P Sreeramakrishann.

Unlike previous days, the House even saw CPI(M)-led LDF members standing up from their seats and locking horns with opposition members, prompting the Speaker to warn both sides.

As soon as the Question Hour began, Chennithala informed the Speaker that the opposition was ready to cooperate in conducting House proceedings.

He said three MLAs-V S Sivakumar (Congress), Parakkal Abdullah (IUML) and N Jayaraj (KC-M)-will observe an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the Assembly as the government had not withdrawn prohibitory orders at Sabarimala and also demanding more facilities for pilgrims.

The chief minister said he had thought the opposition would make such an announcement earlier itself in the light of the BJP having decided to shift its agitation in front of the Secretariat from Monday.

"This is a collusion between the Congress and BJP-RSS and a belated awakening," Vijayan said.

While the BJP was agitating in front of the secretariat, the Congress-led UDF MLAs were observing a 'Satyagraha' at the Assembly, he said.

Taking a dig at the UDF, Vijayan even said they were following the stand taken by BJP chief Amit Shah rather than that of their leader Rahul Gandhi on the Sabarimala issue.

Hitting back at Vijayan, Chennithala said the opposition does not need the chief minister's permission to decide when to launch their agitation.

He alleged RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri had been "given charge of the home department" at Sabarimala to control the frenzied devotees last month when a 52-year-old woman was attacked at the hill shrine.

The leader also alleged an RSS outfit had been given charge of "Annadanam", the free meal scheme at Sabarimala and C P Sugathan, who had protested against entry of young women, had been made joint convener of the 'Women's Wall', planned by the LDF government on January 1.

Stung by the chief minister's allegations, opposition members trooped to the well of the House and placed a black banner in front of the Speaker's dais blocking his vision.

As they did not heed to the Speaker's repeated requests to go back to their seats and continued to raise slogans against the chief minister, some angry members of the treasury bench even attempted to move to the well of the House but were dissuaded from doing so by the other ruling Front members.

An angry Speaker hurriedly scrapped the submission and calling attention motions, took up other businesses and adjourned the House for the day within 21 minutes.

Opposition members later moved out of the assembly hall raising slogans.

The three MLAs later began the indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the assembly demanding the withdrawal of prohibitory orders and other restrictions imposed by the police in and around the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

Chennithala later told reporters the chief minister had allegedly passed on a chit to the Speaker asking him to stop the House proceedings to prevent the opposition from raising nepotism charges against local administration minister K T Jaleel.

The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa has been witnessing protests by devotees and right-wing activists against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala were Monday involved in a war of words in the state assembly over the Sabarimala Temple issue, leading to disruption of House proceedings for the fourth day.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala were Monday involved in a war of words in the state assembly over the Sabarimala Temple issue, leading to disruption of House proceedings for the fourth day. Three UDF MLAs also began an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the entrance of the House on the issue. As the war of words continued and Congress-led Opposition UDF MLAs began shouting slogans, the House was adjourned for the fourth day by Speaker P Sreeramakrishann. Unlike previous days, the House even saw CPI(M)-led LDF members standing up from their seats and locking horns with opposition members, prompting the Speaker to warn both sides. As soon as the Question Hour began, Chennithala informed the Speaker that the opposition was ready to cooperate in conducting House proceedings. He said three MLAs-V S Sivakumar (Congress), Parakkal Abdullah (IUML) and N Jayaraj (KC-M)-will observe an indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the Assembly as the government had not withdrawn prohibitory orders at Sabarimala and also demanding more facilities for pilgrims. The chief minister said he had thought the opposition would make such an announcement earlier itself in the light of the BJP having decided to shift its agitation in front of the Secretariat from Monday. "This is a collusion between the Congress and BJP-RSS and a belated awakening," Vijayan said. While the BJP was agitating in front of the secretariat, the Congress-led UDF MLAs were observing a 'Satyagraha' at the Assembly, he said. Taking a dig at the UDF, Vijayan even said they were following the stand taken by BJP chief Amit Shah rather than that of their leader Rahul Gandhi on the Sabarimala issue. Hitting back at Vijayan, Chennithala said the opposition does not need the chief minister's permission to decide when to launch their agitation. He alleged RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri had been "given charge of the home department" at Sabarimala to control the frenzied devotees last month when a 52-year-old woman was attacked at the hill shrine. The leader also alleged an RSS outfit had been given charge of "Annadanam", the free meal scheme at Sabarimala and C P Sugathan, who had protested against entry of young women, had been made joint convener of the 'Women's Wall', planned by the LDF government on January 1. Stung by the chief minister's allegations, opposition members trooped to the well of the House and placed a black banner in front of the Speaker's dais blocking his vision. As they did not heed to the Speaker's repeated requests to go back to their seats and continued to raise slogans against the chief minister, some angry members of the treasury bench even attempted to move to the well of the House but were dissuaded from doing so by the other ruling Front members. An angry Speaker hurriedly scrapped the submission and calling attention motions, took up other businesses and adjourned the House for the day within 21 minutes. Opposition members later moved out of the assembly hall raising slogans. The three MLAs later began the indefinite 'Satyagraha' at the portals of the assembly demanding the withdrawal of prohibitory orders and other restrictions imposed by the police in and around the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. Chennithala later told reporters the chief minister had allegedly passed on a chit to the Speaker asking him to stop the House proceedings to prevent the opposition from raising nepotism charges against local administration minister K T Jaleel. The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa has been witnessing protests by devotees and right-wing activists against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.

Kerala Assembly witnesses disruptions over Sabarimala issue

Kerala cabinet gave approval to the drafting bill which will allow salary hike of minister and MLAs.

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Kerala cabinet has given approval to the drafting bill which will see a hike in the salaries of Ministers and MLAs. The bill is expected to be tabled in the assembly on March 20.
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The salary reforms bill is expected to be tabled on March 20 in the assembly.

If the bill gets passed in the assembly, it will increase ministers&#39; salaries to 90,300 from 50,000.

MLAs salary will also see a hike, increasing it to 62,000 from 39,000.

Earlier the cabinet which formulated on the basis of recommendations by James Commission report had recommended hike of 1.37 lakh for the minister but after the cabinet refused to accept; it was reduced to 90,000 rupees.&nbsp;

The salary reforms bill is expected to be tabled on March 20 in the assembly

Kerala cabinet gave approval to the drafting bill which will allow salary hike of minister and MLAs. Kerala cabinet has given approval to the drafting bill which will see a hike in the salaries of Ministers and MLAs. The bill is expected to be tabled in the assembly on March 20. — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × The salary reforms bill is expected to be tabled on March 20 in the assembly. If the bill gets passed in the assembly, it will increase ministers' salaries to 90,300 from 50,000. MLAs salary will also see a hike, increasing it to 62,000 from 39,000. Earlier the cabinet which formulated on the basis of recommendations by James Commission report had recommended hike of 1.37 lakh for the minister but after the cabinet refused to accept; it was reduced to 90,000 rupees.

Kerala cabinet approves drafting bill which allowing salary hike of minister and MLAs

Congress MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan carried a used teargas shell into the Kerala Assembly Wednesday.&nbsp;

Radhakrishnan showed the shell to the Speaker, saying it had been used to disperse Youth Congress protesters last week.

Radhakrishnan said the shell was beyond its expiry date, but that the police had still used it. The implication was that the police had used expired ammunition on the Youth Congress protesters.&nbsp;

News reports quoted Radhakrishnan as saying that this was &quot;police raj&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Radhakrishnan later submitted the shell to the speaker.&nbsp;

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the shell was beyond its expiry date, but that police had used it to disperse Youth Congress protesters last week

Congress MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan carried a used teargas shell into the Kerala Assembly Wednesday. Radhakrishnan showed the shell to the Speaker, saying it had been used to disperse Youth Congress protesters last week. Radhakrishnan said the shell was beyond its expiry date, but that the police had still used it. The implication was that the police had used expired ammunition on the Youth Congress protesters. News reports quoted Radhakrishnan as saying that this was "police raj". Radhakrishnan later submitted the shell to the speaker.

Congress MLA carries teargas shell into Kerala Assembly

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