Kerala Governor chides Opposition

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P. Sathasivam today chided the Opposition which protested with banners in the Kerala Assembly against the Government during his address to the House.

The Governor told the Opposition to better keep quite or leave the House.  The Opposition walked out of the House after a few minutes of protest.

“You have raised your democratic protest. Now, allow me to do my Constitutional responsibility”, the Governor as he began his address.  The whole nation is watching. The people have seen your protest, he added.

As the Opposition persisted, the Governor told Deputy Leader of CPI (M) Kodiyeri Balakrishnan: “This may happen to you sometime later. Better keep quite; or leave the House.

“I have full energy. I will read slowly.  I am aware that your protest is not against me, but the government.  People have noted your protest.”

The Opposition was protesting against allegations of bribe-taking against the Ministers.  As the Governor started his address, the Opposition Leader V. S. Achuthanandan said that the Government was immersed in corruption. "Down with tainted government's policy," read a banner held by the Opposition.

Later, the Opposition took out a march to join protesters outside the Assembly, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The protest will continue till Mr. Chandy resigns, Mr. Achuthanandan said.