Mahadevan, a former ABVP state president, reportedly remarked that “bullets would pierce Rahul Gandhi’s chest” if he attempted to lead protests similar to the recent GenZ-led movement in Nepal.
Published Sep 30, 2025 | 2:38 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 30, 2025 | 2:38 PM
Kerala Assembly adjourned. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Speaker AN Shamseer, however, rejected the motion, remarking that a statement made in a TV debate did not carry the urgency required for an adjournment motion. He said the matter could instead be raised as a submission. This stance triggered an uproar, with Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan charging that the remark was “serious” and accused the government of protecting those who threatened a national leader.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly was abruptly adjourned on Tuesday, 30 September, after high drama unfolded between the ruling front, LDF, and the Opposition, UDF, over a controversial remark allegedly made by a Kerala BJP spokesperson Printu Mahadev against Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, during a television debate.
Mahadevan, a former ABVP state president, reportedly remarked that “bullets would pierce Rahul Gandhi’s chest” if he attempted to lead protests similar to the recent GenZ-led movement in Nepal.
Congress MLA Sunny Joseph sought leave for an adjournment motion accusing the government of shielding the spokesperson.
Speaker AN Shamseer, however, rejected the motion, remarking that a statement made in a TV debate did not carry the urgency required for an adjournment motion.
He said the matter could instead be raised as a submission. This stance triggered an uproar, with Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan charging that the remark was “serious” and accused the government of protecting those who threatened a national leader.
As Shamseer tried to proceed with other business, Opposition MLAs stormed into the well of the House, shouting slogans.
The din forced the Speaker to cut short the session and adjourn proceedings for the day. The Assembly will reconvene on 6 October.
Later, VD Satheesan said the government, which has been quick to arrest people for criticizing the Chief Minister on social media, was reluctant to act against the BJP leader.
“Despite multiple complaints, the FIR was registered only yesterday evening and no arrest has been made. This is fresh evidence of the CPI(M)-BJP nexus in Kerala,” he told reporters outside the Assembly.
“The Chief Minister should clarify if threatening Rahul Gandhi’s life is a trivial incident,” he demanded.
Deputy Leader of Opposition PK Kunhalikutty said the government’s indifference was shocking.
“When such a statement is made against a highly protected leader like Rahul Gandhi, it must be taken seriously. Yet the government dismissed it. If people suspect the CPI(M)-BJP nexus behind this stance, they cannot be blamed,” he said.
KPCC president and MLA Sunny Joseph also accused the chief minister, Speaker, and CPI(M) ministers of protecting the accused “whom even BJP leaders have not defended publicly.”
Meanwhile, UDF convener Adoor Prakash MP announced that the front will stage protest demonstrations in front of panchayat, municipality, and corporation offices across the state this evening, demanding the immediate arrest of the BJP spokesperson.
Prakash said the UDF will not remain silent against such provocative acts and called on people to join the demonstrations in large numbers.
At the same time, on Monday, 29 September, a case was registered against BJP leader Printu Mahadevan.
Acting on a complaint from KPCC secretary Sreekumar CC, police registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal intimidation, provocation with intent to cause riot, and public mischief.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
