On Day 1 of session, Opposition legislators jubilant while LDF MLAs in pensive mood
The thumping victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Lok Sabha elections reflected in the Assembly on Monday, the first day of the 15th session of the present House.
While a subdued atmosphere prevailed in the treasury benches with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) legislators sticking to their seats, UDF MLAs were in a jubilant mood before the House met for the obituary reference of Kerala Congress (M) founder and former Finance Minister K.M. Mani.
Communist Party of India legislator C. Divakaran, who lost in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, was among the first to reach the House on Monday. Soon, others LDF legislators who lost in the elections, Chittayam Gopakumar, A. Pradeep Kumar and Veena George, arrived and preferred to confine to their seats.
Nothing cheers them
The arrival of A.M. Ariff, the sole LDF candidate who won the Lok Sabha elections in the State, did not cheer up the treasury benches. LDF’s P.V. Anwar who also lost the electoral battle was conspicuous by his absence.
Five minutes before the session commenced, K. Muraleedharan, Adoor Prakash, and Hibi Eden, who were elected to the Lok Sabha, came accompanied by UDF’s young legislators. UDF MLAs were seen exchanging pleasantries with the victorious trio.
Mr. Divakaran was the lone LDF MLA spotted among the UDF legislators.
Ramya Haridas, who won in Alathur, was present in the Speaker’s gallery. Jose K. Mani, MP, was also present.
Winners congratulated
After the hour-long obituary reference, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan led the House in congratulating the four legislators elected to the Lok Sabha.
The Speaker wished the winners good luck in their new role as Members of Parliament.
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