Thiruvananthapuram: The budget session of Kerala Assembly - the last one for the current term from Pinarayi Vijayan government - is to commence with the policy statement speech by the State Governor on Friday. The State budget for the year 2021-2022 will be presented in the Assembly on January 15.
The final budget session for this term of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government is expected to see much fireworks, as the Opposition will try to knock the ruling Government off the balance and rake up all the issues to corner the Government, including gold smuggling and KIIFB, foreseeing the Assembly elections which is only months away. The session would also raise curtains on the various welfare projects and people-friendly schemes from the LDF government.
On Friday morning, the session would begin with the policy statement speech by State Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. The statement has criticism towards the Centre’s farm laws. As the Governor has approved the draft without recommending amends, he is expected to read out the anti farm law mention in the policy statement in the house.
The Assembly session is being held for a few days together for the first time after the Central agencies’ investigation on gold smuggling had reached the CM’s office and the Speaker’s office. The Opposition may have plans to disrupt proceedings in the house as part of marking their protest. Unlike the earlier session, this time the Opposition may target the Speaker also and demand his removal.
The notice issued by the Opposition seeking removal of the Speaker will be taken up for discussion in the Assembly session.
The report from the Assembly Privileges and Ethics Committee on the complaint against Thomas Isaac for breach of privileges of the assembly members by leaking the CAG report releasing the CAG report would also reach the house.
If the Committee recommends any action against Thomas Isaac and the House passes the recommendation, action would be initiated against Isaac. The House would also discuss the issue of defection within Kerala Congress.
State Finance Finance Minister Thomas Isaac is to present the State budget in the assembly on January 15. The budget is expected to please all sectors and people and present fresh projects and welfare measures, with the confidence gained from the local body poll victory. The session would be on from January 8 through January 28.
Visitors will not be allowed in the assembly during the session period considering the COVID situation in the State.
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