Thiruvananthapuram
The 11th session of Kerala’s 15th Legislative Assembly began contentiously as the Congress-led opposition protested over bar bribery allegations against the Vijayan government. They demanded an inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Despite a calm question hour, tensions rose when Congress legislator Roji M. John sought leave for an adjournment motion on the bribery charges. In late May, an audio clip emerged suggesting bar owners were asked to pay Rs 2.50 lakh each for favorable policies. However, the person in the audio claimed the money was for buying an office for the bar owners association.
State Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh called for a police investigation. John criticized the situation, referencing a 2014 speech by V.S. Achuthanandan on similar bribery allegations. He accused Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas of hijacking the excise policy, which Rajesh denied, stating no new policy discussions had occurred.
CM Vijayan confirmed a police probe was underway but did not commit to a judicial inquiry as demanded by Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan. The opposition, unsatisfied, disrupted proceedings and marched outside.
During the uproar, the treasury benches passed two bills, including one on local body ward delimitation. The session adjourned with the opposition pledging to continue their demand for an inquiry. Since 2016, Kerala’s bar count has risen from 29 to over 900, with a record 130 new bars sanctioned in the past three years.
