LDF government accepts UDF challenge again, agrees to second consecutive Assembly debate

For the second consecutive day, the LDF government has accepted the opposition UDF's challenge and agreed to suspend all Assembly proceedings and debate an issue of urgent public importance. If yesterday it was custodial torture, on Wednesday it will be the increasing deaths from the growing spread of amoebic meningoencephalitis.

This year, 19 deaths have already been reported and nearly 70 cases have been detected. Fever cases too have touched 20 lakh by now in 2025.

"Since this concerns public health and also because a wave of misinformation is being spread about the public health system, the public in Kerala should be made aware of the real facts. We are ready for a discussion on the issue," Health Minister Veena George said, after Speaker A N Shamseer sought her opinion on the adjournment motion moved in the Assembly on Wednesday by Muslim League leader N Shamsudheen.

Right after the minister expressed her willingness, the ruling benches let out jeers, suggesting that the ruling side had once again thwarted the Opposition's plans. Provoked, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said: "It was our demand to have a discussion on the issue. Why are the ruling side members making fun of us when it was our demand that has been accepted?"

This gave Parliamentary Affairs Minister P Rajeev an opportunity to blow the government's trumpet. "This (the willingness to discuss adjournment motions) demonstrates our democratic spirit and also our political guts," Rajeev said. The two-hour discussion will start at noon.

This is the 15th adjournment motion taken up for discussion during the 15th Assembly, the second Pinarayi Ministry. During the tenure of the first Pinarayi Ministry, six adjournment motions were taken up for discussion. Yesterday, the Speaker had said it was an all-time record.

If an adjournment motion is taken up for discussion, the last word will rest with the minister concerned. Or else, the right will be snatched by the Opposition Leader. Ever since Satheesan assumed the role of Opposition Leader, the ruling side has found it strategic to deprive him of the advantage.