Kerala Assembly: Opposition Walkout Over Police Control Allegations

In a heated session of the Kerala Assembly on July 1, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout, accusing the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] of exerting undue control over the state police force. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan criticized the CPI(M) for allegedly politicizing police operations, leading to systemic dysfunction and abuse of power within the force. He highlighted issues such as overwork, political interference in postings, and inadequate infrastructure in police stations.

The UDF raised concerns over the high suicide rate among police officers and criticized the government’s response, which included prescribing yoga as a solution rather than addressing fundamental issues like overburdened work schedules. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refuted these allegations, defending the competency and efficiency of the Kerala police. He cited recruitment drives and modernization efforts aimed at improving working conditions and public service standards. Despite the government’s assurances, the Opposition’s demand for an emergency debate on police reforms was rejected by the Assembly Speaker, A.N. Shamseer.