Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan Elected as Kerala Assembly Speaker in Historic Triangular Contest

Thiruvananthapuram, May 22: In a blend of parliamentary tradition and political drama, veteran Congress legislator Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan was elected as the new Speaker of the Kerala Assembly on Friday. This election followed a historic triangular contest that unveiled new political equations in the state.

For the first time in the Kerala Assembly Speaker election, all three political alliances represented in the house fielded their own candidates. The ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) nominated the experienced Radhakrishnan, while the Left Front put forth former minister A.C. Moideen. The BJP-led NDA selected B.B. Gopakumar as their candidate.

Protem Speaker G. Sudhakaran acted as the returning officer and did not participate in the voting. A total of 139 legislators cast their votes. Announcing the results, he revealed that Radhakrishnan secured 101 votes, Moideen received 35, and Gopakumar garnered 3 votes.

Following the announcement, there was a loud applause in the assembly as members from various parties came forward to congratulate him. In a symbolic display of parliamentary tradition, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan jointly escorted the new Speaker to his chair.

Satheesan praised Radhakrishnan as a humble and mature leader, recalling that he had once chanted slogans for him during student movements. He noted that Radhakrishnan has handled nearly 17 departments and consistently focused on the development of his constituency.

Vijayan also acknowledged Radhakrishnan’s extensive parliamentary and public service experience, expressing confidence that he would effectively fulfill his new responsibilities.

Known for his consensus-based politics, Radhakrishnan represents the Kottayam assembly constituency and has been winning elections continuously since 1991, following an initial defeat in 1987. He has also served as a minister in the cabinet of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and now holds a significant constitutional position in Kerala’s political landscape.