By IANS,
Thiruvananthapuram: The Left opposition in Kerala Wednesday petitioned the governor for an emergency session of the state assembly, alleging irregularities in the passage of a bill.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Governor R.S. Gavai, Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan said passing of the Appropriation Bill Wednesday was an undemocratic act by Speaker G. Karthikeyan.
“He delayed the voting procedures on the floor of the assembly because he knew the numbers were less and the Appropriation Bill would not pass because only 62 treasury bench legislators were present,” said Achuthanandan.
The opposition has 68 legislators in the 141-member house, while the treasury bench’s strength is 73 (including the speaker).
Opposition parties claimed that state Finance Minister K.M. Mani deliberately delayed his speech so that ruling legislators who were not present in the house, could return and vote.
Dissatisfied with the speaker’s role, the opposition staged a walkout over the issue.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oomen Chandy said the Left was still sore over its defeat in the state elections.
“It is because of that feeling that they resorted to such tantrums on the floor of the house… Our government had clear majority and it (the bill) was passed,” said Chandy.
Wednesday was the last day of this session of the assembly.