Uproar in Kerala Assembly over suspension of five MLAs

The Kerala assembly today witnessed mayhem over the suspension of five opposition MLAs.

The opposition also demanded the resignation of state's Finance Minister K.M. Mani.

Last Monday, five MLAs were suspended by Kerala Assembly Speaker N. Sakthan for creating a ruckus in the assembly.

The five suspended MLAs are EP Jayarajan, KT Jaleel, V Sivankutty, K Kunjahmed Master and K Ajit.

Earlier on Saturday, the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) had led a protest march against the Kerala Government and Mani, leading to a day-long shutdown in the state.

The Kerala Assembly had earlier erupted in chaos as leaders of the opposition tried to prevent Mani, who is facing a vigilance probe in the bar scam case, from presenting the state budget.

Several MLAs were also injured in the clash inside the assembly as the Speaker's chair and mics were thrown by the legislators.

The LDF, which has been demanding Mani's resignation, has alleged that the Finance Minister accepted a bribe of Rs. one crore to renew licences of bars that were shut down by the administration.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, however, had condemned the chaos in and outside the assembly during the budget session, and described the entire situation as unfortunate.