Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly, which witnessed heated debates on Tuesday over the ADGP Ajith Kumar-RSS meeting, tackled another controversial issue on Wednesday as the opposition pushed for an adjournment motion on the ongoing Thrissur Pooram controversy. Opposition leader V D Satheesan alleged that the new plan handed over to the City Police Commissioner by the ADGP three days before the pooram was the layout to disrupt the festival.
"The police lathi-charged the common people who came to watch the pooram at three places. Devaswom officials were obstructed by police. Even those carrying umbrellas and harnesses for the elephants for Kudamattam were stopped. The force was unhinged on the day," said Satheesan.
He also asked if the chief minister, who also handles the Home Department, wouldn't have gotten a special branch report that there was a problem in Thrissur. "If he did not, then there is no point in having an Intelligence wing, and it should be disbanded, added Satheesan.
He further said had the government not been involved in the conspiracy to disrupt Thrissur Pooram, the problem would have been resolved before noon. "A probe which should have been completed in a week was delayed by five months as part of this conspiracy," said Satheesan.
Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, rejecting the opposition demand, said the government has ordered a comprehensive three-tier probe to ascertain what really happened during the festival and who was behind it.
"So, why can't you wait for the report of the three-tier probe? Why the urgency? Let the report come," the minister said during the debate on the notice. He also said that the investigation will bring out the true culprits behind the festival disruption.
He also said the opposition's primary agenda was to attack the government, which is progressing in development and welfare activities in Kerala. "Their sole agenda is to attack the chief minister. However, it is a lost cause," he added.
Earlier, Minister for Local Self-Government M B Rajesh acknowledged the opposition’s move as an attempt to create a “smokescreen” but stated that the government was ready for a discussion to expose the opposition’s motives. Minister Rajesh also assured that a comprehensive investigation of the Pooram issue is underway.
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who moved the motion, alleged that NDA candidate in Thrissur and 'action hero' Suresh Gopi was given access to the Thrissur Pooram venue, a privilege not extended to ministers K Rajan and R Bindu. Gopi arrived at the Devaswom office in an ambulance operated by Seva Bharathi, a Sangh Parivar organisation. "This year's festival was plagued by numerous issues. The government either took it lightly or intentionally disrupted it," Radhakrishnan said while listing the problems faced during the event.
- The Kanimangalam Sasthavu ezhunalippu procession was disrupted by private vehicles in Swaraj Round, an area where traffic was usually restricted.
- The police placed barricades at Thekke Gopuram to restrict movement. The barricades were later removed at the request of the Cochin Devaswom.
- The police treated Thrissur Pooram crowd like a hostile protest march.
- Why was a junior officer like Ankit Asokan given the task of managing the Pooram? The Commissioner lacked experience handling such events.
- Devaswom members carrying palm leaves and decorative umbrellas for kudamattom were blocked by the police.
- The Thiruvambady ezhunalippu procession was hindered due to police barricades, allowing only an elephant to pass through.
- Fireworks held at 5 am due to conflict between the committee members and police.
"By creating a series of issues, the CPM created an environment for NDA candidate Suresh Gopi to emerge as an action hero. This is a clearly planned act," Radhakrishnan said.
Responding to Radhakrishnan's allegations, CPM leader Kadakampally Surendran said the opposition was calling for a judicial inquiry to protect those who may be involved in it. He alleged it was the UDF that was linked to the RSS and said there was a conspiracy behind disrupting the festival. "The opposition may be of the hope they can destroy Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, I want to remind them that it will remain an ambitious dream," added Kadakampally.
Piling on the accusations, Congress leader and Wandoor MLA A P Anil Kumar said ADGP Ajith Kumar's meeting with RSS leaders and former LDF convener E P Jayarajan's meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar was part of the CPM's conspiracy to give Thrissur to BJP, even if it meant disrupting the festival. "Thrissur was given to the BJP by the CPM on a silver platter to withdraw the cases against its leaders being probed by central agencies," Anil Kumar added.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was expected to play a key role in today’s proceedings, was notably absent from the Assembly. According to the Chief Minister's Office, Vijayan is suffering from a fever and has been advised to rest by doctors. He also missed yesterday's adjournment motion on allegations involving the ADGP-RSS meeting.
Meanwhile, the government is set to introduce a resolution opposing the central government’s ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. The resolution, which will urge the Centre to reconsider its position, is expected to be a key point of discussion in the coming days.
Amid the ongoing controversies, Nilambur MLA PV Anvar made a dramatic appearance in the Assembly. Following his exit from the LDF, Anwar returned to the session wearing a red scarf resembling the DMK flag. He entered alongside MLA KT Jaleel and took his newly allotted seat in the fourth row next to League MLA AKM Ashraf. Anwar’s return was marked by cordial greetings from fellow legislators, including Mankulam Ali, Najeeb Kanthapuram, and P Ubaidulla.
Justice Hema Committee report
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also reiterated the demand for the release of the Justice Hema Commission report on sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry. He criticised the government for keeping the report under wraps for four and a half years, calling it a “criminal offence.” Satheesan clarified that Justice Hema had not opposed the report's release but advised adherence to Supreme Court guidelines.
Cultural Minister Saji Cherian defended the delay in releasing the Justice Hema report, stating that the government withheld it at the request of Justice Hema herself. However, Cherian assured that none of the report’s content, which does not affect personal privacy, has been concealed. The government maintains that a careful and lawful approach will be taken in releasing the report.
