Thiruvananthapuram: Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh has sparked a major political controversy with a dramatic U-turn on his stance regarding a legislative assembly debate on the Sabarimala gold foil issue. After vehemently blocking the discussion just weeks ago, the minister is now taunting the opposition for not raising the issue, leading to accusations of hypocrisy and political gamesmanship from the opposition benches.
On September 19, when the opposition moved an adjournment motion to discuss the controversy, it was Minister Rajesh who led the charge against it. He argued that since the matter was under the consideration of the court, assembly rules prevented any such discussion. “The opposition has brought this notice knowing fully well it will be rejected by the Speaker,” he had stated, adding that rules stand above precedents. Taking his argument into consideration, Speaker A.N. Shamseer had subsequently denied permission for the motion.
However, in a stunning reversal yesterday, Minister Rajesh challenged the opposition’s silence on the matter. “Why isn’t the opposition giving a notice for an adjournment motion now?” he questioned mockingly. “This government has the confidence, courage, and democratic sense to discuss any issue. The opposition has become too cowardly to even prepare for a discussion,” he alleged, accusing them of running scared that their “lies would be exposed.”
The minister’s contradictory statements have handed the opposition fresh ammunition, with leaders questioning the government’s double standards and shifting positions based on political convenience.
