Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Legislative Assembly witnessed high drama on Monday as the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) staged a mass walkout, accusing the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of willfully ignoring the severe fuel crisis gripping the state. The incident escalated tensions in the house, with both sides trading sharp allegations over the rising cost of petrol and diesel and its cascading effect on the common man.
The walkout occurred during the Question Hour when LDF members demanded an immediate discussion on the unprecedented hike in fuel prices. The ruling front alleged that the UDF, which had been vocal on other national issues, had deliberately avoided raising the fuel crisis in the assembly to protect its political allies at the Centre. “The UDF is complicit in the price hike. They are silent because their central leadership is responsible. The people of Kerala are suffering, but the Opposition is playing politics with their lives,” said a senior LDF legislator.
The LDF lawmakers, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s allies, walked out of the hall shouting slogans, leaving the treasury benches nearly empty. The speaker’s repeated appeals for order went unheeded as the ruling coalition members marched out, demanding a comprehensive response from the state government on fuel pricing and relief measures.
UDF Denies Allegations, Calls LDF ‘Irresponsible’
Reacting sharply, the UDF accused the LDF of staging a “drama” to divert attention from the state government’s own failures. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan countered that the ruling front’s walkout was a sign of “political bankruptcy.” “They cannot manage the economy, they cannot control inflation, and now they are blaming us. We have always raised the issue of fuel prices in Parliament and outside. The LDF is creating a ruckus to hide their inefficiency,” Satheesan stated.
The UDF further pointed out that the state government, despite having the power to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, had not done so. “Instead of walking out, the LDF should explain why they have not provided relief to the people. They charge the highest VAT in the country on petrol and diesel,” the Opposition leader added, demanding immediate fiscal measures to ease the burden on households and transport operators.
Fuel Crisis Deepens Across Kerala
The political confrontation comes at a time when fuel prices in Kerala have crossed the ₹100-per-litre mark in several districts, with petrol and diesel rates touching record highs. Daily commuters, auto-rickshaw drivers, and small business owners have been particularly hit hard. The price surge has also led to a ripple effect on the cost of essential commodities, pushing inflation higher.
In many parts of the state, protests by trade unions and transport associations have been reported, demanding a rollback. The LDF’s walkout is seen as an attempt to corner the UDF ahead of the upcoming local body elections, but critics argue that it also exposes the ruling front’s own inability to address the crisis.
What Happens Next?
With the assembly proceedings disrupted, the speaker has adjourned the house till Tuesday. The LDF has announced that it will continue to boycott the session until the government agrees to a full-fledged debate on fuel price relief. Meanwhile, the UDF has filed a breach of privilege motion against the ruling front for “misleading the house and disrupting democratic proceedings.”
As Kerala watches the political slugfest, the common man remains the silent sufferer. While the assembly echoes with accusations and walkouts, the price at the pump continues to climb, leaving thousands wondering who will truly take responsibility for the fuel crisis.
Conclusion
The LDF walkout in the Kerala Assembly has once again underlined the deepening political divide over economic management in the state. While the ruling front accuses the UDF of negligence, the Opposition points to the state government’s own policy inertia. For the people of Kerala, the urgent need remains not political theatrics, but concrete action to bring down fuel prices and provide immediate relief. As the session resumes, all eyes will be on whether both fronts can set aside partisan interests to address the real crisis that affects every household in the state.