Opposition disrupts Kerala Assembly demanding Saji Cherian's resignation over alleged anti-constitutional remarks

Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly V.D. Satheesan said Saji Cherian had echoed Golwalkar's opinion that the Constitution was a colonial bequest to the nation

Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition disrupted the Assembly proceedings on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of Culture and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian over his alleged disparaging comments about the Constitution.

The Opposition’s protest erupted when Speaker M.B. Rajesh stepped up to the rostrum, signalling the start of Question Hour.

UDF legislators flourished copies of the Constitution's preamble and raised placards condemning Mr. Cherian's statement.

They accused Mr. Cherian of publicly disavowing his ministerial oath of office. The Opposition said Mr. Cherian had lost the right to continue in office.

Treasury benches rose in support of Mr. Cherian. UDF legislators trooped into the well of the House and mobbed the Speaker's dais.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan demanded the Speaker set aside the usual Assembly business to debate Mr. Cherian's controversial averments about the Constitution.

A three-minute video clip of Mr. Cherian's speech at a Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] programme surfaced on Tuesday, triggering Congress and Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP) protests demanding Mr. Cherian's resignation.