Kerala Assembly May Empower Deputy Speaker with Greater Participation Rights

During a budget discussion in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman called for expanded speaking rights, arguing that the Deputy Speaker's role should not be limited to ceremonial duties and that she should be allowed to submit questions and raise constituency issues through submissions and calling attention motions. The proposal received support from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who described the demand as justified, and Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan agreed to consider amending assembly rules to allow the Deputy Speaker more active participation, including the right to address the house and submit questions. The Speaker noted that existing legislative norms do not prohibit the Deputy Speaker from speaking, only historical precedents do, and that the matter will be examined sympathetically based on a consensus among members. The opposition did not voice objections during the discussion.