Kerala assembly: Opposition alleges assembly rules violation over BJP MLA’s speech

T’puram: Opposition staged a protest in the assembly on Tuesday, alleging that assembly rules were bypassed when BJP MLA B B Gopakumar was allowed to speak during the walkout proceedings.The controversy arose after leader of opposition Pinarayi Vijayan completed his walkout speech on an adjournment motion notice. Under assembly convention, parties that have sought permission for an adjournment motion are given an opportunity to make walkout speeches.As Gopakumar rose to speak, CPI MLA Rajan objected citing assembly rules. After Rajan completed his speech, the speaker allowed Gopakumar to speak. However, the speaker also pointed out that BJP had not signed the adjournment motion notice. Soon after Gopakumar began his speech, the speaker said that considering he was a first-time member of the assembly, procedural rules and conventions were being relaxed on this occasion.The opposition, which had by then returned to the House, raised loud protests against the decision. The speaker said the move should not be treated as a precedent and argued that some leniency could be shown to a member attending the assembly for the first time.However, later in the proceedings, the speaker prevented Kazhakoottam MLA V Muraleedharan from speaking after explaining the relevant assembly rules, prompting further discussion on the issue.Meanwhile, in another first for the Kerala assembly, BJP was allotted an office room within the assembly complex. Room number 303 has been designated as the BJP parliamentary party office, marking the first time the party has been provided a dedicated room in the Kerala legislative assembly.