LDF MLAs boycott Assembly proceedings

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M)-led LDF members Tuesday boycotted Assembly proceedings demanding resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over alleged corruption charges in solar and bar scams.

Trouble started as soon as Speaker N Sakthan rejected LDF demand for introducing a notice seeking a debate on alleged 'insulting' remarks made by Labour Minister Shibu Baby John against Justice Sivarajan Commission probing the solar scam.

Sakthan said Assembly rules did not permit taking up an issue connected with Judicial Commission and there was no precedent.

He firmly told LDF MLAs that it will not be allowed in the House and requested the Opposition to cooperate with the Chair in conducting the proceedings.

Unhappy with the Speaker's decision, some LDF members moved to the well of the House and raised slogans against Chief Minister and the UDF government. Later, they staged a walkout and boycotted further proceedings.

Earlier, the Speaker had adjourned the House for about 30 minutes following LDF protest and held a meeting with leaders of both UDF and LDF to resolve the matter.

LDF members had come to the House with placards demanding resignation of Chandy and Excise Minister K Babu over allegations against them in solar and bar bribery cases.

The Opposition also refused to co-operate with the Chair during question hour when questions pertaining to departments handled by Babu were to be raised. They shouted slogans and some MLAs even squatted in the well of the House.

As protests continued, Babu placed his answers on the table.

Later, the House took up matters including discussion and voting on Final Supplementary demands for grants in the budget for 2015-16, scheduled for the day.