KT Jaleel, MLA and Speaker AN Shamseer (file photos)
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's former minister and Left legislator K.T. Jaleel took to Facebook to express his discontent with criticising "someone" who objected to his lengthy speech in the Assembly. The speech in question occurred three days earlier, during a discussion on the Private Universities Bill.
Although he didn't mention anyone by name, it is clear that his post was directed at Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer, who had reprimanded him for exceeding the time limit, stating that he did not respect the chair and that continuing his speech beyond the allotted time was an act of defiance.
In his FB post, Jaleel wrote, "As I was speaking about matters related to the bill, the time extended a little. If anyone felt that to be a criminal offence, I can only sympathise with them." Jaleel, who represents the Thavanoor Assembly segment in Malappuram district, said, "After all, I have been elected to the Legislative Assembly for the fourth consecutive time from Malappuram, which is considered a stronghold of the Muslim League. Naturally, the enthusiasm will be a bit high."
"However, it may not be easy for those 'selling dates in Mecca' to understand it," he wrote, apparently taking a dig at Shamseer, who was elected from the Thalassery Assembly seat, a Marxist stronghold, in the Assembly.
During Monday's discussion on the private university bill, Speaker A.N. Shamseer expressed frustration with K.T. Jaleel for exceeding his allotted speaking time. Despite repeated requests from the Speaker to conclude his speech within 10 minutes, Jaleel continued for 17 minutes. This led the Speaker to issue a warning.
The chair pointed out that three opposition members had adhered to the 10-minute limit while presenting their dissenting notes on the bill. However, Jaleel persisted even after the speaker turned off the microphone and invited the next speaker, E.K. Vijayan, to speak. This resulted in sharp criticism from the Speaker, who accused Jaleel of disrespecting the Chair and breaching parliamentary decorum. Jaleel, in turn, defended his actions, claiming he had not shown any disrespect.
(with inputs from PTI)