The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday witnessed its first major political confrontation of the new session in Thiruvananthapuram, as a debate on rising prices of essential commodities escalated into a sharp exchange between the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left opposition, culminating in a walkout led by former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan.

The confrontation began soon after the election of Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman, when the Opposition moved an adjournment motion highlighting the steep rise in prices of essential goods. Moving the motion, former Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal linked the inflationary trend to increasing fuel prices and questioned the government’s consistency on tax relief measures. He recalled that Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had, during his tenure in opposition, repeatedly demanded reductions in petrol and diesel taxes whenever fuel prices rose.

Balagopal challenged the Chief Minister to act in line with his earlier positions, asking whether the government was prepared to provide immediate relief to citizens facing mounting cost-of-living pressures. The motion set the tone for a heated debate as both sides sought to frame responsibility for the inflationary situation affecting households across the state.

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Responding to the discussion, Satheesan pointed to what he described as severe fiscal constraints inherited from the previous Left administration. He said the state’s financial position had weakened after a decade of Left rule, limiting the government’s capacity for large-scale relief measures. He also referred to an upcoming White Paper on Kerala’s finances, stating it would provide clarity on the state’s economic condition, and alleged significant pending liabilities, including dues to the State Civil Supplies Corporation.

In a sharp rebuttal, Vijayan accused the government of avoiding the core issue of rising prices. He argued that even when global and domestic fuel price trends offered scope for relief, consumers were not adequately benefitted. He further criticised what he described as the Centre’s petroleum pricing policies, asserting that fuel costs were driving broader inflation in the state and worsening the burden on ordinary citizens.

As tensions escalated, Vijayan announced that the Left opposition would walk out in protest against what it termed the government’s refusal to allow a detailed discussion on the issue. The proceedings briefly turned chaotic when BJP legislator Gopakumar was permitted to speak, prompting objections from Left members over procedural conventions. The Speaker subsequently intervened to restore order, marking a turbulent opening to what is expected to be a contentious Assembly session.

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