Opposition walks out of Kerala Assembly as Speaker rejects adjournment motion on Payyannur Martyrs’ Fund fraud, attacks on Congress workers

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) boycotted the proceedings of the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday after the Speaker rejected its notice for an adjournment motion seeking a discussion on alleged fraud in the Payyannur martyrs’ fund involving CPM leader and Payyannur MLA TI Madhusoodanan, as well as alleged attacks on Congress workers by CPM activists.

Speaker AN Shamseer declined to admit the adjournment motion under Rule 50, ruling that the matter did not warrant discussion through an adjournment motion and could instead be raised as a submission.

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Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the issue was grave and demanded discussion in the House.

“CPM leaders are attacking women, including those who took out a protest march to the office of the accused MLA, using sticks and issuing death threats. Where else can such a serious issue be discussed if not in the Assembly?” he asked.

Satheesan also questioned the Speaker’s decision to reject the notice without citing valid reasons under the Rules of Procedure. Following brief sloganeering in the well of the House, the Opposition walked out, boycotting the proceedings for the day.

Later, addressing a press conference, Satheesan alleged that the Speaker had disallowed the adjournment motion to shield the CPM and the Chief Minister, who he said had gone on the defensive.

He claimed that the recent attacks by CPM workers, coming after the party’s setback in the local body polls, were intended to send a message that other political parties would not be allowed to function freely.

He further alleged selective action by the CPM, pointing out that no steps were taken against party leaders jailed in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, while a Kannur district committee member was expelled within 24 hours for speaking out against financial misappropriation within the party. “This exposes the decay within the CPM,” Satheesan said.

On Monday, the CPM expelled Kannur district committee member V. Kunhikrishnan for making serious allegations against Payyannur MLA TI Madhusoodanan and others.

Kunhikrishnan has alleged that the CPM leadership is protecting Madhusoodanan, accusing him of embezzling funds from the Dhanraj martyrs’ fund by issuing fake receipts. He further claimed that the MLA misappropriated funds collected for party office construction and election expenses.

According to Kunhikrishnan, the total embezzlement amounts to around ₹1.5 crore. He has also announced plans to write and publish a book detailing the alleged financial irregularities.