Security called as chaos reigns in Assembly

Opposition parties take out protest marches in different parts of the state as the mystery about missing gold deepens

- HD Bureau

The Kerala Assembly plunged into turmoil on Wednesday as Opposition legislators, carrying placards and attempting to storm the Speaker’s dais, disrupted proceedings for the third straight day over the Sabarimala ‘gold-plating’ controversy. Watch-and-Ward staff managed to block entry to the podium, but clashes erupted between Treasury Bench and Opposition members within the well of the House.

The unrest began almost as soon as the House met.

Opposition MLAs advanced toward the Speaker's seat, shouting slogans and brandishing banners demanding accountability over alleged misappropriation of gold on the Dwarapalaka idols of Sabarimala. Guards intervened to prevent them from reaching the podium, prompting ministers from the ruling front to step into the well amid shouts and scuffles. The Speaker was compelled to adjourn the session after repeated disorder.