The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) staged a walkout in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Wednesday after the Speaker denied permission for an adjournment motion regarding the alleged politically motivated mass transfer of over 2,000 government employees.
The issue was raised through an adjournment motion notice moved by CPM legislator V Joy under Rule 50, seeking to suspend regular House proceedings and hold a detailed discussion on the matter. The Opposition alleged that several transfers had been made in violation of established norms following the change in government. He claimed that over 2,000 employees across 33 departments had been transferred in a short span following the change of government.
The opposition emphasised that the mass transfers targeted vulnerable groups, including employees nearing retirement, women, individuals with serious medical conditions, and SC/ST communities.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sunny Joseph responded on behalf of the government. He dismissed the allegations of political vendetta, asserting that the transfers were routine administrative procedures necessitated by vacancies and retirements. The Minister maintained that all orders strictly adhered to Clause 3 of the February 25, 2017, Government Order, which governs transfer norms in the state.
Based on the Minister’s explanation that the transfers were procedural and compliant with existing rules, the Speaker denied permission for the adjournment motion, refusing to set aside House business for a debate.
Following the denial, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan rose to deliver a protest speech before the walkout. He accused the government of allowing “power brokers and agents” to hijack the Secretariat’s operations. He alleged that pro-UDF service organisations were issuing transfer lists on their letterheads, effectively dictating terms to department heads.
After registering their strong protest and demanding the cancellation of the disputed transfer orders, the LDF members staged a walkout, boycotting the remainder of the session’s proceedings.