The 16th session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, the last before the upcoming Assembly elections, begins today (Tuesday), setting the stage for high-voltage political exchanges between the ruling front and the Opposition. With the election battle looming, the session is expected to become a key platform for both sides to showcase their agendas and defend their records before the electorate.
The session will open with the Governor’s policy address, delivered on behalf of the state government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Speaker A. N. Shamseer will receive the Governor at 8.45 am. Proceedings on the opening day will be limited to the policy address. The House will adjourn on Wednesday after paying homage to late MLA Kanathil Jameela.
The debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address is scheduled for February 22, 27 and 28. Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal will present the State Budget for the 2026–27 financial year on February 29. The Budget is expected to feature major announcements, including measures related to the assured pension scheme for government employees and teachers.
The session is slated to continue until March 26, though it may be cut short if the Election Commission announces the poll schedule during this period.
Meanwhile, a complaint lodged by CPM leader D. K. Murali against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil is likely to be taken up by the Assembly and referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee. The session also comes in the backdrop of recent losses to the House, with the passing away of Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Soman during the previous session and the subsequent demise of Koyilandy MLA Kanathil Jameela. Rahul Mankootathil, currently in jail in connection with a sexual assault case, will not attend the session.
