Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | Kerala Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Thursday said the Assembly has powerful microphones and that some off-the-record remarks could be picked up through them, but only statements that form part of the official record should be taken into account.
He was responding to reporters' queries on the controversy over an alleged open-mic remark by Chief Minister V D Satheesan after he responded to a request made in the Assembly last week.
Kuttanad MLA Reji Cheriyan of Kerala Congress (Joseph), a constituent of the ruling UDF, had sought a local holiday in Kuttanad taluk for an annual event.
Replying in the Assembly, the chief minister said the government would consider the request. However, moments after taking his seat, Satheesan was allegedly heard through an open microphone saying, "Under no circumstances will it be granted." The remark, captured on video, was widely circulated on social media by LDF legislators, sparking a political row.
"We have powerful microphones. So, some remarks might be heard. What is on the record has to be considered. If a member speaks while sitting and not from his seat, that will not become part of the Assembly records," Radhakrishnan said.
He said only statements made by a member while standing in his or her allotted seat are officially recorded.
"There are many things said off the record. The controversy ended with the chief minister's submission. What he said later is not in the official record. I can speak only about what is part of the official record of the Kerala Assembly," he said.
Responding to CPI MLA K Rajan's recent remark in the Assembly that the Speaker's interventions during members' submissions had become the subject of trolling on social media, Radhakrishnan said he had spoken to Rajan in detail and that there was no issue between them.
The Speaker also said Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas' name had been unnecessarily dragged into a recent incident over his warning against members moving around inside the House.
He clarified that his remarks were directed at members who were walking in front of Thomas while she was making a submission and had been misinterpreted.
"Some people tried to focus on Uma Thomas, which is not right. I am convinced that she is one of the best members in the House," he said.
The Kerala Assembly's Budget session concluded on Wednesday.
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race was held on June 29, and no local holiday was granted as requested by MLA Cheriyan in the house.
