Earlier, the Assembly witnessed a semblance of normalcy after the Opposition notably scaled down their protests over the Sabarimala gold theft row.
The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout and boycotted the proceedings of the Kerala Legislative Assembly after its notice for an adjournment motion on the alleged Payyannur CPI(M) martyr fund scam and the ensuing political violence was disallowed on Tuesday (January 27, 2026).
Speaker A.N. Shamseer declined to admit the adjournment motion under Rule 50 after ruling that the issue did not meet the urgency required to suspend the House proceedings for a detailed discussion. This prompted protests from the Opposition members, who gathered in the well of the House, holding placards and raising slogans.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who addressed mediapersons later, was critical of the Speaker’s stance and alleged that the decision was taken “under government pressure” to avoid discussion on an issue that puts the CPI(M) on the defensive.
The Congress leader referred to the ‘revelations’ made by former CPI(M) Kannur district committee member V. Kunhikrishnan, who has since been expelled by the party. He had raised allegations of misuse of a martyr fund and financial misappropriation in the construction of the Payyannur area committee office against Payyannur MLA T.I. Madhusoodanan.
Following the disclosures, Congress workers, including women, had marched to the MLA’s office demanding his resignation a few days ago.
Mr. Satheesan said the protesters were brutally attacked by CPI(M) activists armed with sticks, even after the police redirected the march to avoid clashes. He alleged that the attackers followed the protesters from behind and assaulted them, leading to several persons being hospitalised. He also claimed that CPI(M) workers had assembled in front of the MLA’s office with weapons, and were prepared for violence.
‘Contradiction’ in CPI(M)’s stance
Highlighting a “contradiction” in the CPI(M)’s stance, he recalled that the party had earlier “promised protection for whistleblowers” during the Lok Sabha elections. “However, Kunhikrishnan, who exposed alleged corruption within the party, was subjected to disciplinary action within 24 hours. In contrast, senior CPI(M) leaders who have been jailed for grave charges in the Sabarimala gold theft case continue to face no party action,” he said.
Citing the threats faced by Mr. Kunhikrishnan, Mr. Satheesan drew parallels with instances of political violence in the past, including the murder of Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) leader T.P. Chandrasekharan. “Those who expose wrongdoings within the CPI(M) face threats to their lives,” he alleged.
Earlier, the Assembly witnessed a semblance of normalcy after the Opposition notably scaled down their protests over the Sabarimala gold theft row.
Soon after the Question Hour began, Mr. Satheesan informed the Speaker that the UDF would continue its protest demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan in connection with the controversy. He also alleged that the special investigation team (SIT) probing the case “should not function under pressure” from the Chief Minister’s Office.
He also announced that two UDF MLAs, C.R. Mahesh and Najeeb Kanthapuram, would begin a satyagraha in front of the Assembly. He added that the Opposition would pursue the protest while continuing to cooperate with the proceedings of the House.
Protest is against HC, says Pinarayi
Responding to the statement, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the agitation should not be viewed as a protest against the government. He pointed out that the SIT was functioning under the supervision of the Kerala High Court and that all necessary interventions and directions were being made by the court.
“The protest, though being held at the gates of the Legislative Assembly, is in effect directed against the High Court,” the Chief Minister said.
Published – January 27, 2026 12:22 pm IST
