Hundreds throng to pay homage to Achuthanandan
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Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Hundreds of people waited outside the historic Darbar Hall here to pay homage to former Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan on Tuesday, a day after he breathed his last at the age of 101.
The mortal remains of the veteran were taken in a procession from his son's residence in the morning to the Hall inside the Secretariat for official public homage.
A large number of party workers accompanied the ambulance. Several others followed in their vehicles.
Thousands of people, including women, the elderly, and students, paid their last respects to Achuthanandan when his body was kept at the old AKG Centre on Monday night. By around 11.45 pm, the body was shifted to his son's residence in the city and kept there till the morning.
Even at midnight, a large number of people gathered in front of the house to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader.
There was no public homage at the house, party sources said.
By Tuesday afternoon, Achuthanandan's body would be taken in a procession to Alappuzha, his hometown.
His cremation will take place at the public crematorium in Alappuzha Valiya Chudukadu by Wednesday noon, party sources added.
The government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday and a three-day mourning period as a mark of respect for the former chief minister.
The veteran leader died at 3:20 pm on Monday while undergoing treatment in the critical care unit of Pattom SUT Hospital.
Achuthanandan had been receiving treatment since June 23, following a cardiac arrest.
A founding member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Achuthanandan was a lifelong champion of workers' rights, land reforms, and social justice.
He served as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011 and was elected to the state assembly seven times, serving three terms as Leader of the Opposition.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
