Kerala Assembly: Opposition walks out as Speaker rejects adjournment motion on Payyannur martyr fund row, political violence

Opposition protests escalate in Kerala Assembly over rejected adjournment motion on Payyannur martyr fund allegations and political violence.

The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout and boycotted the proceedings of the Kerala Legislative Assembly after its notice for an adjournment motion on the alleged Payyannur CPI(M) martyr fund scam and the ensuing political violence was disallowed on Tuesday (January 27, 2026).

Speaker A.N. Shamseer declined to admit the adjournment motion under Rule 50 after ruling that the issue did not meet the urgency required to suspend the House proceedings for a detailed discussion. This prompted protests from the Opposition members, who gathered in the well of the House, holding placards and raising slogans.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who addressed mediapersons later, was critical of the Speaker’s stance and alleged that the decision was taken “under government pressure” to avoid discussion on an issue that puts the CPI(M) on the defensive.

The Congress leader referred to the ‘revelations’ made by former CPI(M) Kannur district committee member V. Kunhikrishnan, who has since been expelled by the party. He had raised allegations of misuse of a martyr fund and financial misappropriation in the construction of the Payyannur area committee office against Payyannur MLA T.I. Madhusoodanan.

Following the disclosures, Congress workers, including women, had marched to the MLA’s office demanding his resignation a few days ago.

Mr. Satheesan said the protesters were brutally attacked by CPI(M) activists armed with sticks, even after the police redirected the march to avoid clashes. He alleged that the attackers followed the protesters from behind and assaulted them, leading to several persons being hospitalised. He also claimed that CPI(M) workers had assembled in front of the MLA’s office with weapons, and were prepared for violence.