Oppn walks out of Kerala Assembly after Speaker disallows debate on Sabarimala Temple gold row

Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition boycotted the Kerala Assembly on Friday after Speaker AN Shamseer denied permission to raise the issue of 4 kg discrepancy in the weight of gold-clad copper coverings of Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple as an adjournment motion.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Congress member Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan moved a notice for an adjournment motion, stating that the gold-plated sheets was taken without permission and that the weight of the sheets had decreased by about four kilos, which had caused great concern among the devotees. Speaker A N Shamseer declined permission, stating that the matter sub-judice and under consideration of the High Court.

Criticising the Speaker’s decision, LoP V D Satheesan pointed out that there have been precedents of sub-judicial matters being discussed in the House. “The government is hiding behind procedure to avoid accountability,” he said.