THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor P. Sathasivam made history in Kerala Assembly on Friday when he asked the Opposition LDF members, trying to disrupt his customary address to the Assembly, “to sit quiet or leave the House”.
Following the mild rebuke, the entire Opposition “respectfully” walked out.
Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan later told the media that they respect the Governor and had nothing against him.
The Opposition then shifted their protest to the Martyrs Column near the Secretariat, where they squatted till the Governor finished the address.
The disruption started when the Governor started his address, as mandated, on the opening day of the session by 9 a.m.
Mr Achuthanandan also was on his feet, delivering a parallel speech and urging the Governor not to speak on behalf of a government, neck deep in corruption and facing serious allegations.
Mr Sathasivam, who had faced a similar disruption last year, was prepared this time. He named the two leaders, protesting in the front row.
"Mr. Achuthanandam (sic), you have to allow me to do this work. You have conveyed to the public that you are opposing this government. That is enough."
As the Opposition continued sloganeering, holding placards against the government, the Governor further said, "You have to allow me to do my constitutional duties, please. Either you sit quiet or you can go out. I am noting all your objections. The nation is also watching. Beyond this nobody can tolerate... I know you are not protesting against me ... When you have a right to protest, I am constitutionally bound to deliver the address. Kindly read the Constitution."
The Governor then turned to CPM State secretary and Opposition deputy leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan: “Mr Balakrishnan, you are all well aware. This may happen to you after sometime. So better you show your protest by either sitting quiet or leave the House. I have full energy to deliver the full speech slowly."
Outside the House, Mr. Achuthanandan said: "Governor sir, we have no disrespect towards you, but your government is stinking with corruption,"
The Opposition had called on the Governor last week, advising him not to address the House. But he made it clear to them that he was bound to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.
Mr Sathasivam has become the first Governor to engage the Opposition on the floor, making them behave and complete his speech.
When faced with similar protests, Governors usually cut short their speeches. But in this case, Mr Sathasivam seemed to have won over the Opposition.
