Kerala Assembly Adjourns Amidst Opposition Protest Over BJP Leader’s Death Threat to Rahul Gandhi

Thrissur: The Kerala Assembly adjourned today amidst a fierce opposition protest following a BJP leader’s controversial death threat against Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi during a News18 channel debate. MLA Sunny Joseph of the opposition sought permission to move an adjournment motion, emphasizing the gravity of the issue and demanding an immediate discussion in the House.

However, Speaker A. N. Shamseer rejected the notice, stating that the matter lacked sufficient importance or urgency for such a motion. This decision ignited a strong reaction from the opposition members, who immediately stormed into the well of the house in protest. The situation escalated as opposition members attempted to climb onto the Speaker’s dais, leading to a scuffle with watch and ward personnel. In light of the escalating protest, the Speaker was forced to quickly conclude the day’s proceedings, and the assembly was adjourned.

Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan vehemently condemned the Speaker’s dismissal of the issue. He asserted that the BJP leader’s statement, threatening to shoot Rahul Gandhi in the chest during a TV debate, was a highly serious matter and questioned how it could be considered trivial. Satheesan further alleged that the state government was actively protecting the accused. The Speaker, however, maintained that every remark made during a television discussion could not be raised on the floor of the assembly. Following this, the opposition members staged a walkout in protest against the Speaker’s stance.

Responding to the opposition’s actions, Minister P. Rajeev labeled their protest as a “mock agitation.” He pointed out that A. K. Antony had recently called a press conference expressing concerns about the lack of voices for him in the assembly. Rajeev also highlighted that Rahul Gandhi had called a press conference in Delhi today, suggesting that the opposition’s current protest was belated and perhaps prompted by the lack of prior action. He questioned why the incident, which reportedly occurred on September 26, had not been raised earlier, why no protests had been conducted, and why the adjournment motion was introduced with such a significant delay.

Meanwhile, Peramangalam Police have registered a case against Printu Mahadev, a former ABVP State President and current BJP Teachers’ Cell State Convenor, in connection with the controversial remarks. The charges include incitement to riot, under sections 192, 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Mahadev’s provocative statements were made during a News18 channel discussion on the Ladakh protests on September 26. The police action was initiated based on a complaint filed by KPCC Secretary C. C. Sreekumar, who alleged that Mahadev’s actions were an an attempt to sow anarchy and incite riots in the state. Printu Mahadev is also identified as a school teacher.

The Congress party has been conducting statewide protests demanding the immediate arrest of Printu Mahadev for his inflammatory remarks. As a direct response to the incident, Congress members organized a protest march to Printu Mahadev’s residence in Peramangalam on Monday.