Left boycotts Governor's address in Kerala assembly

The Left opposition walked out of the assembly on Friday as soon as Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam rose to read out the government's policies for the year.

Leader of opposition V.S. Achuthanandan rose at the same time as the governor and was heard speaking a few sentences which were not audible.

The governor smiled and paused for a while before going onto reading out his address as the entire Left opposition walked out of the house.

The Left opposition has made it clear that they will not allow "tainted" Kerala Finance Minister K.M. Mani, currently facing a vigilance probe in the "bar scam case", to present his 13th state budget on March 13.

Friday's walkout, according to the Left opposition, symbolises the fact that they mean business and they will under no circumstances allow Mani to present the budget.

"We seek the cooperation of all to support us, as we just cannot sit in the house where Mani is present," said Achuthanandan to reporters outside the assembly.

Right from the time whistle blower bar owner Biju Ramesh revealed last year that Mani was given bribe to ensure that certain closed bars were allowed to open, the Left opposition have been up in arms and have been on a protest path demanding the resignation of Mani.

The Oommen Chandy government ordered a vigilance probe into the issue and its report is awaited.