Kerala Opposition Leader Satheesan Apologizes to Minister Anil
Satheesan apologizes to Minister Anil for unparliamentary remark.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan issued a heartfelt apology in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Friday to Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil for accusing him of “telling lies” during a heated debate on Thursday. The remark, made amid discussions on an adjournment motion addressing the soaring prices of essential commodities, sparked controversy after Satheesan claimed Anil falsely stated that he had praised the government at a recent Onam market event in Paravoor.
Satheesan, a 24-year veteran of the assembly, admitted the comment was unparliamentary, prompted by “sudden provocation.” He revealed that Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Mathew T Thomas alerted him to the breach of decorum, leading him to formally write to Speaker A N Shamseer on Friday to withdraw the remark and expunge it from the House records. “I should not have said that—it was a mistake,” Satheesan told the assembly, expressing regret to both Anil and the House.
Clarifying the Paravoor incident, Satheesan explained he had spoken briefly at the event for a minute, focusing solely on the importance of SupplyCo, not lauding the government as Anil suggested. “I had asked for the event to be canceled due to my late arrival, but spoke when pressed,” he said, addressing the misunderstanding that fueled his outburst.
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Speaker Shamseer praised Satheesan’s gesture, noting, “Correcting words used in the heat of the moment is not a defeat—it’s an example for all to follow.” Satheesan emphasized his clean record, stating that in his long tenure, no Speaker had ever removed his words from the assembly’s archives. “I felt these words should not remain to disappoint future legislators,” he added, underscoring his commitment to parliamentary propriety.
The apology comes amid escalating tensions over the state’s handling of rising commodity prices, with the opposition accusing the government of inaction. Satheesan’s retraction, while defusing one controversy, keeps the spotlight on the broader economic debate gripping Kerala’s political arena.
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