Kerala Legislative Assembly
Kerala Legislative Assembly and Election
Kerala Assembly Elections
Just like the central government, state governments are also elected by the voters. General Election, Midterm Election and By-election are the three types of Election. The election after the completion of the term is called a general election. Midterm election is an election held by dissolving the assembly before completing the term. By-elections are held due to the death, resignation, disqualification, etc. of members. State governments are responsible for the law-making and administration of the states. Each government has a term of five years. Those who are eligible can contest as candidates of political parties and as independent candidates. For this, Kerala has been divided into 140 assembly constituencies. Voters in each constituency will vote for a candidate they think is the best. The candidate who gets the most votes will enter the assembly as the representative of that constituency. Among those elected in this way, someone acceptable to the majority of the members will be elected as the Chief Minister. Ministers will also be appointed to administer the government under the Chief Minister. Many candidates contest as representatives of political parties or fronts. There are also those who do not belong to any party and contest as independent candidates. The party or front that wins the most members will be in the ruling party. Their leader will become the Chief Minister. The party or front immediately behind will be in the opposition. Their leader will become the Leader of the Opposition.
Kerala Assembly Constituencies (Lok Sabha Constituency and Assembly Constituencies)
1. Kasaragod (Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, Udma, Kanhangad, Trikaripur, Payyannur, Kalliasseri)
2. Kannur (Taliparamba, Irikkur, Azhikode, Kannur, Dharmadam, Mattannur, Peravoor)
3. Vadakara (Thalassery, Kuthuparamba, Vadakara, Kuttiadi, Nadapuram, Quilandy, Perambra)
4. Wayanad (Mananthavady, Sulthanbathery, Kalpetta, Thiruvambadi, Ernad, Nilambur, Wandoor)
5. Kozhikode (Balusseri, Elathur, Kozhikode North, Kozhikode South, Beypore, Kunnamangalam, Koduvally)
6. Malappuram (Kondotty, Manjeri, Perinthalmanna, Mankada, Malappuram, Vengara, Vallikkunnu)
7. Ponnani (Tirurangadi, Tanur, Tirur, Kottakkal, Thavanur, Ponnani, Thrithala)
8. Palakkad (Pattambi, Shoranur, Ottappalam, Kongad, Mannarkkad, Malampuzha, Palakkad)
9. Alathur (Tarur, Chittur, Nemmara, Alathur, Chelakkara, Kunnamkulam, Wadakkanchery)
10. Thrissur (Guruvayoor, Manalur, Ollur, Thrissur, Nattika, Irinjalakuda, Pudukkad)
11. Chalakudy (Kaipamangalam, Chalakudy, Kodungallur, Perumbavoor, Angamaly, Aluva, Kunnathunad)
12. Ernakulam (Kalamassery, Paravur, Vypeen, Kochi, Tripunithura, Ernakulam, Thrikkakara)
13. Idukki (Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Thodupuzha, Idukki, Peerumade)
14. Kottayam (Piravom, Pala, Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Puthuppally)
15. Alappuzha (Aroor, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam, Karunagappally)
16. Mavelikkara (Changanassery, Kuttanad, Mavelikkara, Chengannur, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara, Pathanapuram)
17. Pathanamthitta (Kanjirappally, Poonjar, Thiruvalla, Ranni, Aranmula, Konni, Adoor)
18. Kollam (Chavara, Punalur, Chadayamangalam, Kundara, Kollam, Eravipuram, Chathannoor)
19. Attingal (Varkala, Attingal, Chirayinkeezhu, Nedumangad, Vamanapuram, Aruvikkara, Kattakkada)
20. Thiruvananthapuram (Kazhakkoottam, Vattiyoorkavu, Thiruvananthapuram, Nemom, Parassala, Kovalam, Neyyattinkara)
Composition of the Assembly
■ Governor
The legislative system in the state is a combination of the Governor and the Legislative Assembly. The Governor is the head of the state administration and the representative of the Center. However, he is obliged to follow the recommendations of the Cabinet. The Governor has discretionary power only in some matters. The Governor convenes the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of the Cabinet. He is also the one who dissolves the Assembly. If President's rule is imposed in the state, the Governor has the power to rule. The President appoints the Governors. The Governor's speech is known as the 'Policy Statement'. The Governor convenes the Legislative Assembly session according to Article 174 of the Constitution. The Assembly must meet at least once in six months. The Governor also has the right to address the Assembly according to Articles 175 and 176. The Governor addresses the Assembly in this way in the first Legislative Session after the general election and in the first Legislative Session of each year. Later, a discussion will be held on the issues raised by the Governor. A motion of thanks on the speech is presented in the Assembly.
■ Member of the Assembly
The number of members of the Legislative Assembly is determined in proportion to the population of the state. The constituencies reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are determined based on their population. The number of members in any state assembly in the country should not exceed five hundred. The minimum number of members is sixty. The term of the assembly is five years. Only a member of the Legislative Assembly can participate in the administration of the state as a minister. If a non-member of the Legislative Assembly becomes a minister, he must have won the election from any constituency within six months. Only a citizen who has completed the age of 25 and has the right to vote in any constituency of that assembly has the right to contest elections to the Legislative Assembly. A member of the Legislative Assembly has some special rights. These are also described in Articles 194 and 211 of the Constitution of India. The salary and allowance of the members of the Legislative Assembly are mentioned in Article 195 of the Constitution of India.
■ Speaker (Presiding Officer)
The Speaker is the supreme head of the Legislative Assembly. Article 178 of the Constitution mentions about the Speaker. The representative of the party or front with the majority in the House is elected as the Speaker. If more than one person is contesting for the post of Speaker, it is decided by voting. Maintaining the discipline and dignity of the Legislative Assembly and conducting the proceedings of the House in a proper manner are his responsibilities. The Speaker must act impartially. The Speaker elects the chairman of the House committees and holds the post of chairman of the Rules Committee and the Business Advisory Committee. After the Governor and the Chief Minister, the Speaker holds the highest position in the state. He is the permanent chairman of the House. The Speaker is the one who invites a member to speak in the Legislative Assembly and allows him the necessary time for this. If there is any problem of order in the House, the Speaker's decision on it is known as 'ruling'. No one has the right to question this. The Speaker has the right to adjourn or suspend the House.
■ Deputy Speaker (Deputy Presiding Officer)
■ Protem Speaker
■ Panel of Chairperson
■ Chief Minister
■ Leader of Opposition
■ Party Leaders
■ Chief Whip
■ House Officers
Rules of Procedure & Conduct of Business
Duties of Legislative Assembly
The Legislative Assembly has four important functions. The major function is to make laws for the state. The Assembly also has the power to make necessary amendments to the laws. This is mentioned in Articles 196 - 201 of the Constitution. Necessary matters can be introduced in the form of bills and passed by a majority. Another function of the Legislative Assembly is to fulfill financial responsibility. This power includes imposing taxes in the state and collecting them. The state government spends the money collected in this way for development and welfare activities in the state. This requires the approval of the Legislative Assembly.
Although the administration of justice is not carried out by the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Assembly also has a judicial function. In case of any violation of the rights of the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Assembly has some special rights to investigate and prosecute all such violations. The members of the Legislative Assembly also get legal protection in this way. The Legislative Assembly does not directly interfere in the administrative affairs of the state. This is carried out by the Cabinet. However, the Cabinet is subordinate to the Legislative Assembly. The Cabinet exists only as long as the Legislative Assembly has confidence in it. This ends if the Legislative Assembly expresses no confidence. Therefore, the legislature has the power to control the administration.
Legislative process
The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution includes the Union List, State List and Concurrent List. Of these, the Indian Parliament makes laws on the subjects in the Union List. The Parliament and the Legislative Assembly have equal power on the subjects in the Concurrent List. The State List is under the jurisdiction of the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly makes laws on matters applicable to the state. But this should never be against the law passed by the Indian Parliament. Legislation and amendments should be made only in accordance with the Constitution. At least one-tenth of the total number of members of the House is required for it to function.
Bills
The main function of the legislative assembly is to enact laws for the administration of the State. The proposals for laws are called Bills. Bills are of two kinds - (1) Government Bills and (2) Private Members Bills. Government Bills are those bills which are introduced in the Legislative Assembly by a Minister of the State. Private Members Bills are those bills which are introduced by any member of legislative assembly except Ministers.
Budget Presentation
The budget is the estimate of the government's income and expenditure for the financial year from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. Article 202 of the Constitution deals with the budget. The presentation of the budget is one of the important procedures of the Legislative Assembly. The budget is presented by the Finance Minister or any other minister handling the department. It is also the approval of the House for the expenditure for the coming year. This shows the government's loyalty to the House. After the budget is presented, the budget debate and vote are held. The budget debate generally lasts for three days. The Deputy Speaker usually starts the debate. According to Article 205 of the Constitution, requests for funds are presented in the House to utilize more than the amount mentioned in the budget. 'Vote on Account', which estimates the expenditure for the new financial year and obtains the approval of the House, is another procedure of the same nature.
Ordinance
In certain circumstances, some things have to be implemented by law even when the Assembly is not in session. The order issued for this purpose is known as an Ordinance. All the provisions required by the law will be in the Ordinance. The Ordinance is issued by the Cabinet. It comes into force when the Governor approves it. All ordinances must be presented to the Assembly and approved within six months. Otherwise, they will be repealed. Such bills must be introduced and made into law within six weeks of the Assembly meeting.
Question Hour
Question Hour is the first hour of the Assembly. Question Hour is held on days when there are no important matters such as the budget. The question must be received by the Assembly Secretary at least ten days in advance. The answers are given by the departmental ministers. The questions of the members can be divided into three categories: Starred Questions, Unstarred Questions and Short Notice. Starred Questions are those that require an oral answer from the Minister and sub-questions can be asked. Unstarred Questions do not have to be answered. Instead minister can place written statements on the table. A member can ask seven questions including three Starred Questions. If the Minister's explanation is not satisfactory, a sub-question can be asked with the permission of the Speaker. Short Notice is a question that must be answered within a notice of less than ten days. The person asking the question should clarify the urgency of the question. If the Minister does not respond to this immediately, the day on which it will be given should be indicated.
Adjournment Motion
Adjournment Motion is a mechanism to bring a serious issue or a matter that needs to be resolved immediately to the House. This is not something that is decided in advance. The member who raises the motion requests that the House adjourn and discuss the issue he raised. These are often matters that put the government in the crosshairs. The Adjournment Motion must be related to a specific issue. Notice must be given before the House convenes. It cannot be about court judgments. It cannot defame anyone. These motions have certain conditions. The Speaker must grant permission for the Adjournment Motion. Most of the time, permission is not granted. Even if permission is granted, the support of 15 members is required. The Adjournment Motion can be discussed for up to two hours. If necessary, a vote can be taken afterwards. If the motion is accepted, the House will be dissolved. If the motion is defeated, the House will proceed with further proceedings.
Government Business
The Chief Minister and the ministers are the official members of the House. The matters presented by them in the House are known as Government Business. The government announces and discusses its decisions and actions only in the Assembly. After discussing with the Leader of the House and the Speaker, the Assembly Secretary makes the necessary preparations to present the issues in the House. The Speaker fixes the time for this.
Confidence Motion & No-Confidence Motion
Two types of motions that affect the survival of the government is the Confidence Motion and the No-Confidence Motion. Of these, only the Confidence Motion is brought by the government. The Chief Minister expresses confidence in his government and presents the Confidence Motion in the Assembly. The cabinet can survive only if it is voted on.
The opposition members usually bring a no-confidence motion by expressing no confidence in the government. If the no-confidence motion is passed in the Assembly, the cabinet must resign. If the no-confidence motion is defeated, the government can continue to rule. The Chief Minister submits the resignation of the cabinet to the Governor. If the Chief Minister resigns, the cabinet naturally ceases to exist. The no-confidence motion requires the support of 20 members. There will also be a two-day debate on this. No-confidence motions are often brought not only to change the government, but also to openly oppose it. The no-confidence motion is constitutional. But the confidence motion is not constitutional.
Removal of Speaker
A motion of removal of the Speaker can be brought in the House. This requires the support of certain members. If the motion is legal, the Speaker grants permission to introduce it. The motion of removal can be discussed for only one day. During this time, the Speaker must move from his seat and sit with the members. The Deputy Speaker will be in the chair. The Speaker can reply during the discussion of the motion. The Speaker can continue in office only if the motion is rejected by a vote. The same procedures are followed in the case of the Deputy Speaker. Only the Speaker will be in the chair. A majority of the members present is enough for a motion against the cabinet. However, to remove the Speaker, the support of more than half of the total members of the House is required.
Casting Vote
The Speaker does not vote in the Assembly. Although he is the representative of a party, the Speaker usually remains neutral. However, the Speaker can cast a vote at certain times. This is done when a vote is required for any legislation or other business of the government. If the ruling and opposition parties get equal votes in the vote, it will create a crisis. This will affect the business of the government and create a constitutional crisis. In this case, the Speaker uses his casting vote to take action in favor of the government.
Dissolution
Article 172 of the Constitution deals with the term of the Legislative Assembly. Accordingly, the term of the Legislative Assembly is fixed for five years from the date fixed for the first meeting of the Legislative Assembly. However, during the emergency, the Parliament can extend the term of the Legislative Assembly for a period not exceeding one year and after the end of the emergency, for a period not exceeding six months. If the Cabinet resigns and there is no possibility of another Cabinet, the Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly. In special circumstances, when there is a majority in the House, the Chief Minister can recommend to the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly. If the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, President's Rule will prevail in the state. If the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the provision is that elections must be held within six months.
Zero Hour
Zero Hour is the most common opportunity used by the opposition to attack the government. Its duration can vary depending on the issues raised during Zero Hour. Issues that have not been given prior notice or included in the agenda will not be considered during Zero Hour. The name Zero Hour comes from the British parliamentary system. Although it is supposed to be a short period of time, it is often not observed. Attention calls, adjournment motions, and submissions are all included in Zero Hour.
Committees
Legislative Committees function to study and examine the issues that needs to be resolved. These can be divided into two types according to their nature - Standing Committee and Adhoc Committee. Standing Committees are permanent and regular committees which are constituted from time to time. The Financial Committees, Department Related standing committees and some other committees come under the category of standing committees. The three financial committees of the legislative assembly are Estimates Committee, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Committee on Public Undertakings. Ad hoc Committees are appointed for a specific purpose and they cease to exist when they finish the task assigned to them and submit a report. While the members of the Financial Committees are appointed through elections, the members of the other committees are nominated.
History of legislative assemblies in Kerala
The proclamations issued and regulations passed by the Maharaja marked the beginning of the history of legislation in Travancore and Kerala, long before the formation of the Travancore Legislative Council in 1888.
Travancore Legislative Council (1888 - 1932)
United Kerala came into being in 1956. But even before that, legislative assemblies existed here during the royal rule. Travancore took a proud and exemplary step in this regard. The kings of Travancore accepted the great democratic movement with an open mind. The king decided to have a committee to make laws and regulations necessary for the monarchy and to provide necessary advice. For this, a proclamation was issued on March 30, 1888. This proclamation intended to form a Legislative Council (Legislative Committee) in the country. The Travancore Legislative Council (1888 - 1932) was one of the first legislative assemblies in the Indian princely states. This council had the right to make laws in the state of Travancore.
In 1888, King Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, who ruled Travancore, formed a committee called the Legislative Council. An act was passed in this regard on 30 March 1888. The first meeting of the Travancore Legislative Council was held on 23 August 1888 as an official advisory body to nominate members. The first meeting of the Legislative Council was held on 23 August 1888 in the Diwan's room in the Secretariat Building. The Council was chaired by T. Rama Rao, the then Diwan of Travancore. The history of the Legislative Council of Kerala begins from here. In 1861, the British Parliament had passed the Indian Council Act to make the natives more involved in the administration. The Legislative Council was formed in Travancore taking inspiration from that. Thus, Travancore became a model for other princely states in India. The council was formed as an official advisory body to intervene in administrative matters. Initially, the council had six official members and two non-official members. Its term was three years. The members of the council were nominated. The Diwan was to preside over the legislative meetings. After the formation of the Travancore Legislative Council in 1888, the process of legislation began to gain form as Regulations, though they were recommendatory in nature. Political awareness and movements for the social equality resulted in agitation, which lead to the signing of the 'Malayali Memorial' in 1891, for the inclusion of more malayalees in the legislative council. According to the regulation of 1898, the number of members of the council was increased to 15 with nine official members and six non-official members, but the maximum number of members was reached only in 1913.
In 1919, a significant change took place in the Travancore Legislative Council. The number of members in the legislative body was increased to 25, giving more representation and power to the people. Eight members were elected. The first election was held in 1920. In 1921, the number of members was increased to 50. There were 28 elected and 22 nominated. In the 1922 council elections, women were granted the right to vote and hold public office. The regulation issued by Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal on 28 October 1932 changed the legislative system that existed until then. The Travancore Legislative Council and the Sri Moolam Praja Sabha were reformed and a lower house called the Sri Moolam Assembly and an upper house called the Sri Chithira State Council were formed, creating a bicameral system. The first session of these assemblies, with the Diwan as the president, was held on 31 July 1933 at the V.J.T. Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. These assemblies ceased to exist in 1947.
Travancore Sree Moolam Praja Sabha (1904 - 1932)
The Sree Moolam Praja Sabha was formed on 1 October 1904 with the aim of giving greater participation to the people in the administration of Travancore. It was formed by Sree Moolam Thirunal Ramavarma himself. The Sree Moolam Praja Sabha had a maximum of 100 members, including representatives of taluks, planters, traders, town improvement committees, landlords and nominated persons. The term of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha, which had no legislative or administrative power, was one year. The Sree Moolam Praja Sabha, which aimed to implement the demands of the people and make the administration more transparent, was also known as the 'Sree Moolam Popular Assembly'. The Praja Sabha was formed while maintaining the Travancore Legislative Council. The first meeting of the Popular Assembly was held on 22 October 1904 at the V.J.T. Hall (now Mahatma Ayyankali Hall) in Thiruvananthapuram under the chairmanship of the Diwan. At that time, membership of the Praja Sabha was limited to those elected by the Diwan Peshkar from among the landowners and wealthy merchants. The qualification for membership was an annual income of at least six thousand rupees. The assembly, which had a term of one year, met only once a year. The first election was held in August 1905. In the Malayalam region, the right to vote in an assembly election is obtained in the Sreemoolam Praja Sabha election.
From time to time, the Council and the Praja Sabha moved forward with reforms. In 1905, there were changes in the structure of the Praja Sabha. The term of the members was limited to one year. The condition was that 77 of them should be elected. The remaining 23 would be nominated directly by the government. The right to vote was restricted to those with an annual income of more than Rs. 2,000 and those paying more than Rs. 50 in taxes per year. In 1919, the Legislative Council was also reformed and its membership was increased to 25. Eight of these were elected through elections. In 1921, the Council increased its membership to 50 with 28 members elected. The provisions of budget discussion and deputy speaker are also examples of the modern nature of the Council.
A special law was enacted on January 12, 1930 regarding voting rights. Following this, those who paid at least Rs. 5 per year in land tax, those who paid employment tax in the municipality and those with a degree were given the right to vote. Through the Travancore Nair Regulation and Travancore Ezhava Regulation, women were given the right to become members of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha and elect representatives in 1930. The richest people in society paid five rupees in tax at that time. There was a movement against the restriction of voting rights to the rich. Following this popular movement, known as the "Nivarthana Agitation", those who paid at least one rupee in tax were given the right to vote. A total of 28 sessions were held. The sessions were from 1904 to 1932. In 1932, the Upper House, the Praja Sabha and the Lower House were established under the name of the Sree Chithira Council. The first session of these assemblies, with the Diwan as the president, was held on 31 July 1933 at the V.J.T. Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. These assemblies ceased to exist in 1947.
Sri Moolam Assembly & Sri Chithira State Council (1932 - 1947)
After the accession of the last Maharaja of Travancore, Sri Chithira Thirunal, in 1932, there were fundamental changes in the structure of the legislative assemblies. On 28 October 1932, Maharaja Sri Chithira Thirunal promulgated a regulation to amend the legislative system that had existed until then, and introduced a bicameral system. This bore a distant resemblance to the bicameral parliamentary system in Britain. With the introduction of the bicameral system, a lower house called the Sri Moolam Assembly (72 members) and an upper house called the Sri Chithira State Council (37 members) came into existence on 1 January 1933. 24 and 15 were nominated respectively. All these reforms were known as the 'Travancore Legislative Reforms Regulation'. The first session of these assemblies, with the Diwan as the President, was held on 31 July 1933 at the V.J.T. Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. The last meeting of the first Sree Moolam Assembly was held at the V.J.T. Hall on 6 August 1938. The second Sree Moolam Assembly was held from 1938 to 1944 and the third Sree Moolam Assembly from 1944 to 1947 respectively. The first session of the Sree Moolam Assembly, held at the Assembly Hall in the Secretariat Building, was held on 9 February 1939. The Sri Chithira State Councils came into existence during the period 1933 - 1937, 1937 - 1944, and 1944 - 1947. The bicameral legislature (bicameral system) continued until the declaration of responsibility rule. The last meeting was held in 1946. In 1947, the Sri Moolam Assembly and the Sri Chithira State Council were dissolved. A 120-member House of Representatives was formed through the elections held after the King declared responsibility rule. A.J. John was the President. G. Chandrasekaran Pillai was the Vice President. Pattom Thanu Pillai became the Prime Minister and T.M. Varghese and C. Kesavan became ministers. Later, the number of ministers was increased. In 1948, the Travancore Constitution was revised. Subsequently, the Thiru-Cochin State was formed. These reforms in Travancore were a model for the entire democratic system that later emerged in India.
Cochin Legislative Council (1925 - 1948)
Cochin, along with Travancore, underwent changes over time. In 1923, the King of Cochin formed a Legislative Council. The Legislative Council was formed in Cochin under the Cochin Legislative Council Act, passed on 9 August 1923. The first election to the Council was held on 7 January 1925. The body consisted of 45 elected and nominated members. The first Cochin Legislative Council was inaugurated on 3 April 1925. The first three councils of Cochin (1925-28, 1928-31, 1931-35) had 45 members, the fourth (1935-38) had 54, and the last two (1938-45, 1945-48) had 58 members. Not less than one-third of the members were nominated.
As a result of the Government of Cochin Act of 1938, the diarchy system came into being on 17 June 1938. With the introduction of the diarchy system, a single-member ministry was also formed to ensure public participation in the administration. The council members elected Ambat Sivarama Menon as the first minister. The single-member ministry had the power of only a few departments. All other departments were handled by the Maharaja himself. Sivarama Menon, who came to power in 1938, remained in power for only a few months. Following his death, many including A.R. Menon and State Congress leader T.K. Nair became ministers in the one-man ministry.
In 1941, an organization called Kochi Rajya Prajamandalam was formed under the leadership of V.R. Krishnan Ezhuthachan. In the elections held for the council in 1945, 12 people won as Prajamandalam candidates. Panampilly Govinda Menon became a minister. In 1945, the number of ministers was increased to two. In 1946, the number of ministers was increased to four. Four people including Panampilly Govinda Menon thus became ministers. In 1947, the king handed over the administration completely to the council. The Maharaja of Cochin declared responsible rule on 14 August 1947, and a four-member ministry was formed under the leadership of a Prime Minister. On 1 September 1947, Panampilly Govinda Menon became the Prime Minister of the state of Cochin. This ministry lasted only until 22 October. Then T.K. Nair was the leader.
Elections to the Legislative Council were held in 1948 on the basis of adult suffrage. The 1948 election also saw the formation of a ministry led by Ikanda Warrier. The 'Legislative Council' became the 'Legislative Assembly'. The Cochin Legislative Assembly, formed as a result of the general election held in September 1948, had 58 members. Five of them were nominated. This ministry led by Ikanda Warrier remained in power until the merger of Cochin and Travancore in 1949.
Thiru - Kochi Legislative Assembly (1949 - 1956)
After India became independent, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the then Union Minister, appointed V.P. Menon to study the merger of Travancore and Kochi as part of the merger of the princely states into the Indian Union. As a result of his efforts, the two Maharajas signed an agreement on July 1, 1949. Thus, the state of Thirukochi came into existence by merging Travancore and Kochi. The King of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal, became the 'Rajapramukh'. The legislative assemblies of Travancore and Kochi merged into one. The then ministers of both became ministers in Thirukochi. Paravoor T.K. Narayana Pillai, who was the ruler of Travancore, was the Chief Minister. In July 1949, a joint legislative session elected T.M. Varghese as the Speaker. There were 178 members in the house at that time. A.K. John, Dr. E.K. Madhavan, and T.E. Abdullah represented Travancore, and Ikanda Warrier, K. Ayyappan, and Panampilly Govinda Menon represented Kochi. India became a republic on January 26, 1950. The constitution was made for an independent India under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. After that, five ministries were formed in Thirukochi from 1951 to 1956.
Following the delimitation of the boundaries, there were 108 members in the assembly after the elections held in Thirukochi in 1951. On February 28, 1951, C. Kesavan became the second Chief Minister of Thirukochi. In 1952, A.J. John became the first elected Chief Minister of Thirukochi. On September 23, 1953, A.J. John resigned from the A.J. John ministry. In 1954, following the by-elections in Thiru-Kochi, Pattom Thanupillai became the Chief Minister. There were 118 members in the assembly. When Pattom Thanupillai resigned in 1955, Panampilly Govinda Menon became the Chief Minister. This government ruled Thiru-Kochi from February 1955 to March 1956. After the fall of this ministry, President's rule was imposed in Thiru-Kochi for the first time. Malabar district, which was part of Madras State, was also merged and United Kerala was established on November 1, 1956. With this, the title of Rajapramukh of Sree Chithira Thirunal was abolished. It was the moment when the monarchy that had lasted for decades gave way to democracy. The government seal of Thiru-Kochi was composed of the Ashoka Chakra in the middle, a conch shell on top, two elephants raising their trunks and blessing them from either side, and an arch with the words Travancore and Kochi written on it at the bottom (this was the government symbol until 1956). Following the merger of Travancore and Kochi, five ministries were in power before the formation of Kerala. These ministries were led by Paravur T.K. Narayana Pillai (1949-1951), C. Kesavan (1951-1952), A.J. John (1952-1954), Pattom A. Thanupillai (1954-1955), and Panampilly Govinda Menon (1955-1956).
Malabar (Madras Legislative Council) (1921 - 1956)
Although Travancore and Cochin were known as princely states, Malabar was part of the Madras Presidency at that time. The present districts of Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad were known as Malabar. In 1921, there were five members from Malabar in the Madras Legislative Council. Until 1936, this council had five members each (1921-1923, 1923-1926, 1927-1930, 1930-1936). The Legislative Council in Madras at that time was based on the Montagu-Chelmsford administrative reforms of 1919. In 1937, Legislative Council (1937-1956) was formed under the Government of India Act, 1935. There were eight members from Malabar in the Council and it continued until the formation of kerala state. Dr. P.V. Cherian became the Chairman of the Madras Legislative Council in 6 May 1952.
Malabar (Madras Legislative Assembly) (1937 - 1956)
A cabinet was formed in Madras, which included Malabar, in 1937. In the First Legislative Assembly of Madras (1937 - 1946), under the 1935 Act, there were 16 members from Malabar. A.V. Kuttimalu Amma, E.M.S. Namboothiripad and Muhammad Abdurahiman were among the members from Malabar. K Raman Menon from Malabar was a minister in the Rajaji cabinet in Madras during 1937-1939. R Raghava Menon also became a minister in the first assembly. The Second Assembly (1946 - 1951) had 20 members. The 1st General Elections to the Madras Legislative Assembly (1951 - 1956), held in 1951, after the adoption of the Constitution of India, brought in 29 members from Malabar region to the Madras Legislative Assembly. The first legislative assembly of madras constituted under the constitution of India was during 1951-1956. K P Kuttikrishnan Nair (Kozhikode) from Malabar became law minister (1952-1954). N Gopala Menon was the Speaker of the Madras Assembly from 27 September 1955 to 1 November 1956.
Aikya Kerala Movement
The present state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956. However, efforts for this had begun long ago. The idea of a united Kerala emerged in the Natturajya Praja Sammelanam (State People's Conference) held in Ernakulam in 1928. The Aikya Kerala Conference held in Thrissur in 1947 and the Aikya Kerala Convention held in Aluva in February 1948 suggested that Kerala should become a state based on language. The Aikya Kerala Conference held in Palakkad in 1949 passed the resolution for the formation of the state. The first general election in India was held in 1951. In Kerala, the elections were held in two phases in Thiru-Cochin and Malabar, which was part of the Madras State. In 1953, the State Reorganisation Commission was formed under the chairmanship of Syed Fazal Ali. Sardar K.M. Panicker was a member of commission. This commission submitted its report in 1956. The commission recommended the formation of a Kerala state comprising Travancore, Cochin and Malabar. Accordingly, the state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, under the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution. The first general elections to the state legislature were held in February-March 1957 and subsequently the ministry in united kerala came to power.
List of Kerala Legislative Assemblies
First Kerala Legislative Assembly (1957-1960)
Second Kerala Legislative Assembly (1960-1965)
Following the liberation struggle by the opposition, the Centre dismissed the EMS ministry on 31 July 1959 and imposed a second President's Rule in Kerala. In 1960, some political alliances were formed. The major parties, the Congress, the Praja Socialist Party (PSP) and the Muslim League, united. Following the second general election held on 1 February 1960, the PSP-Congress alliance won a majority. On 22 February 1960, PSP leader Pattom A. Thanupillai became the Chief Minister. Subsequently, the second President's Rule in Kerala, which lasted 206 days, also ended. This was the first coalition government in Kerala. Congress leader R. Shankar was the Deputy Chief Minister. EMS was the Leader of the Opposition. Dissensions arose in the Congress-PSP alliance, which led to the alliance falling apart. As a new formula for resolving the political crisis in Kerala, Pattom Thanupillai, who was the Chief Minister of Kerala, was appointed as the Governor of Punjab. Pattom Thanupillai resigned after being appointed as the Governor of Punjab. On 26 September 1962, R. Shankar of the Congress became the Chief Minister. Subsequently, the PSP members withdrew from the cabinet. In 1964, the Communist Party split into two, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India - Marxist (CPIM). Some members withdrew from the Congress Party and formed a party called the Kerala Congress. Shankar was ousted after the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition was passed in 1964. Kerala was under President's Rule from 10 September 1964 to 24 March 1965. The next assembly elections were held in 1965. It was in these elections that the parties in Kerala came together and started contesting as fronts. However, as no one got a majority, President's Rule was imposed in Kerala again. President's Rule was extended until 6 March 1967. It was only in 1965 that an assembly was not formed despite elections.
Third Kerala Legislative Assembly (1967-1970)
After the fall of the R. Shankar ministry, Kerala politics became a stage for major changes. The major parties, the Congress and the Communist Party, faced a split during this time. In 1964, the Communist Party split at the national level and the CPM was formed. The Congress Party split into two in Kerala. Following the death of P.T. Chacko, his followers formed the Kerala Congress. When the CPM-led United Front or the Seven Party Alliance ministry won a majority in the 1967 elections, EMS became the Chief Minister of Kerala for the second time. Thus, EMS earned the distinction of being the first person to become the Chief Minister of Kerala twice. The stability of the United Front ministry did not last long. Following the collapse of the front, the EMS ministry resigned on October 24, 1969. The fall of the United Front paved the way for a new political polarization. The CPI, Muslim League, RSP, ISP, and Kerala Congress, which were the parties of the Seven Fronts, joined to form the United Front. The ministry led by CPI leader C. Achutha Menon took office on November 1. Despite the political situation that led to the change in the ministry, there were no changes in the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Internal problems in the ISP, which was a party in the Achutha Menon ministry, paved the way for the fall of the ministry. On June 26, 1970, the Governor dissolved the assembly. On August 4, 1970, Kerala was again under President's Rule.
Fourth Kerala Legislative Assembly (1970-1977)
The ministry led by C. Achutha Menon took office for the first time on November 1, 1969. That assembly was dissolved on June 26, 1970. Achutha Menon returned to power in the fifth Kerala Legislative Assembly elections held on 17 September 1970. The United Front won 69 out of 133 seats in the elections, securing an absolute majority. CPI leader C. Achutha Menon became the Chief Minister for the second time on 4 October 1970. The fourth Kerala Legislative Assembly was formed on 4 October 1970. Its term was extended until 25 March 1977. During the fourth Legislative Assembly, which lasted for six years, five months and 18 days due to the Emergency, 322 sittings were held in 16 sessions. It was during this period that a ministry completed its term for the first time in the history of the Legislative Assembly. Achutha Menon, who remained in power until 25 March 1977, thus became the first person to serve as the Chief Minister of Kerala for more than a thousand consecutive days.
Fifth Kerala Legislative Assembly (1977-1979)
The 1977 legislative elections were held after the delimitation of the assembly constituencies in Kerala. The contest was between the United Front, formed by the Congress, CPI, Muslim League, Kerala Congress, RSP, PSP, and the newly formed Nair Service Society's political wing, the NDP, and the CPM-led opposition front. The Congress-led United Front won a resounding victory by winning 111 seats. The CPM-led opposition front won 29 seats. Congress leader K. Karunakaran took office as the Chief Minister on March 25, 1977. The fifth Kerala Legislative Assembly came into being on March 22, 1977. Karunakaran resigned on April 25, embroiled in the Rajan case controversy. After Karunakaran, A.K. Antony, also from the Congress, became the Chief Minister on April 27, 1977. It was during his rule in 1977 that the decision to start a new legislative complex was taken. Antony resigned on 27 October 1978. Subsequently, CPI leader P.K. Vasudevan Nair became the Chief Minister on 29 October 1978. He resigned on 7 October 1979. On 12 October, Muslim League leader C.H. Mohammed Koya became the Chief Minister. The Fifth Kerala Legislative Assembly was dissolved on 30 November 1979. Kerala was under President's Rule from 5 December 1979 to 25 January 1980. The Fifth Kerala Legislative Assembly, which lasted only two and a half years, witnessed four ministries. The Fifth Kerala Legislative Assembly has a rare distinction. The highest number of ministries and Chief Ministers were formed in this Legislative Assembly in Kerala. Four people, namely K. Karunakaran, A.K. Antony, P.K. Vasudevan Nair and C.H. Mohammed Koya, governed Kerala in the Fifth Legislative Assembly.
Sixth Kerala Legislative Assembly (1980-1982)
In the elections held on 21 January 1980, the Left Democratic Front won 93 seats. The United Democratic Front won 46 seats. The LDF government in the Sixth Kerala Legislative Assembly led by E.K. Nayanar assumed power on 25 January 1980. The tenure of E.K. Nayanar's ministry lasted only one and a half years. Differences of opinion between the Congress (S) and the CPM led to the fall of the Left Front ministry. A section led by A.K. Antony broke away from the Congress (S). 15 MLAs with him withdrew their support to the ministry. Subsequently, the Kerala Congress (M) also withdrew their support to the ministry. The Nayanar ministry resigned on 20 October 1981. Later, the United Democratic Front ministry led by K. Karunakaran assumed power on 28 December 1981. The United Democratic Front ministry resigned on 17 March 1982. The assembly was dissolved. The state was again under President's rule. The 6th Kerala Assembly witnessed two ministries.
Seventh Kerala Legislative Assembly (1982-1987)
The 1982 elections witnessed fundamental changes in the frontal relations. The BJP made its maiden appearance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections by fielding candidates in 69 constituencies. The Congress-led United Democratic Front won 77 seats, securing an absolute majority. The Seventh Kerala Legislative Assembly was formed on May 24, 1982. The UDF government led by K. Karunakaran assumed office on the same day. The term of the Legislative Assembly ended on March 25, 1987.
Eighth Kerala Legislative Assembly (1987-1991)
The LDF came to power with 74 seats. The Eighth Legislative Assembly was formed on March 25, 1987. Communist leader E.K. Nayanar assumed office as Chief Minister on March 26, 1987. Progressive reforms were implemented in the areas of land reforms and labour welfare. The Kerala Coir Workers' Welfare Fund Act (1987), the Kerala Khadi Workers' Welfare Fund Act (1989), the Kerala Abkari Workers' Welfare Fund Act (1989), and the Kerala Construction Workers' Welfare Fund Act (1989) came into force during this ministry. Following the LDF's impressive victory in the District Council elections, the assembly was dissolved on April 5, 1991, with one year left to its term.
Ninth Kerala Legislative Assembly (1991-1996)
A total of 809 candidates contested the elections held on June 12, 1991. The UDF returned to power by winning 92 seats. The LDF won 48 seats. The Ninth Kerala Legislative Assembly was formed on June 21, 1991. The UDF government led by K. Karunakaran was sworn in on that day. The Nedumbassery International Airport was laid out when K. Karunakaran became the Chief Minister in the 9th Kerala Legislative Assembly. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, the Goshree Project, Kayamkulam NTPC, and the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kochi were also his ideas. When K. Karunakaran resigned, A.K. Antony became the Chief Minister on 22 March 1995. As a result of his efforts, prohibition of alcohol was introduced throughout the state in 1995-96.
Tenth Kerala Legislative Assembly (1996-2001)
Elections for the 10th Legislative Assembly were held on 27 April 1996. The CPM-led LDF won 80 seats. The E.K. Nayanar ministry took office on 20 May. He was not an MLA when the party handed over the Chief Minister's chair to Nayanar for the third time in 1996. He later entered the assembly through a by-election from Thalassery. The Kerala Ration Dealers Welfare Fund Act came into force during the 10th Kerala Legislative Assembly. Kannur University was established in 1996 and it was during the tenure of E.K. Nayanar. E.K. Nayanar holds the record for the longest tenure as Chief Minister in Kerala with the 10th Kerala Legislative Assembly. He has been the Chief Minister of Kerala for a total of 4009 days in three terms. E.K. Nayanar was the first Marxist Chief Minister to complete a full term (5 years) in Kerala (1996-2001).
Eleventh Kerala Legislative Assembly (2001-2006)
Elections for the Eleventh Legislative Assembly were held on 10 May 2001. 676 candidates were in the fray. The Eleventh Kerala Legislative Assembly was formed on 16 May 2001 after the UDF got a majority. The UDF government led by A.K. Antony took office on 17 May. He was able to make a unique contribution to the development of Kerala. Unemployment benefits and festival allowances were introduced for government employees. Several reform measures were initiated to improve the state's economic sector. Many institutions were started that would help in the growth of the higher education sector. There was good progress in the state's economic situation. Following the UDF's dismal defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, A.K. Antony resigned from the post of Chief Minister on 30 August 2004. Subsequently, on 31 August, a ministry led by Oommen Chandy took office. The ministry continued until 18 May 2006.
Twelfth Kerala Legislative Assembly (2006-2011)
In the elections held for the 12th Kerala Legislative Assembly, the CPM-led LDF won a landslide victory by winning 98 seats. The UDF got 42 seats. K. Radhakrishnan (CPM) won the Speaker's election. On May 18, 2006, a nineteen-member cabinet led by V.S. Achuthanandan was sworn in. As Mathai Chacko, who was ill, was unable to attend the assembly, he was sworn in at Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi on May 29. Mathai Chacko was the first MLA to be sworn in outside the Kerala Legislative Assembly. V.S. Achuthanandan initiated many welfare programs. The operation conducted by V.S. to clear illegal encroachments in Munnar was very notable. His administration, which was firm in his stance, made him popular. V.S. Achuthanandan was also able to revise and sign the controversial Smart City Agreement. His struggles to track down corrupt and criminals and bring them to justice earned him fame outside Kerala as well. The V.S. Achuthanandan ministry, which completed its term (5 years), continued until 14 May 2011.
Thirteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly (2011-2016)
In the elections to the Thirteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Congress-led UDF came to power by winning 72 seats. The LDF won 68 seats. Oommen Chandy became the Chief Minister on May 18, 2011. This is the second time that Oommen Chandy has become the Chief Minister of Kerala. Ludy Lewis of the Congress was nominated as the Anglo Indian representative. G. Karthikeyan of the Congress was elected as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and N. Shaktan of the Congress was elected as the Deputy Speaker. Following the death of Karthikeyan, N. Shaktan became the Speaker. Anoop Jacob and R. Selvaraj won the by-elections in Piravom and Neyyattinkara. Following the death of G. Karthikeyan, UDF candidate K.S. Sabarinathan won the by-election held in the Aruvikkara Legislative Assembly constituency. The Oommen Chandy ministry, which completed its term (5 years), continued until May 20, 2016.
Fourteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly (2016-2021)
In the elections held for the 14th Kerala Legislative Assembly, the LDF came to power by winning 91 seats. The UDF won 47 seats. On May 25, 2016, Pinarayi Vijayan became the 22nd Chief Minister of Kerala. Pinarayi Vijayan is the 12th person to become the Chief Minister of Kerala. O. Rajagopal, who contested as a BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) candidate from the Nemom assembly constituency, won. This was the first victory of the BJP in the Kerala assembly elections. The 2016 election was the first to use VVPAT in the Kerala assembly elections. VVPAT was used in 12 constituencies in Kerala. The 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly elections were held in 2016. John Fernandes was nominated as the Anglo Indian representative. Eight women members were elected to the 14th Kerala Legislative Assembly. K.K. Shailaja and J. Mercykuttyamma became women ministers. Saji Cherian won for LDF in the 2018 Chengannur by-election. The 14th Kerala Legislative Assembly, which completed its term (5 years), continued until May 20, 2021.
Fifteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly (2021-2026)
In the elections to the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, the LDF came to power by winning 99 seats. The UDF won 41 seats. On May 20, 2021, Pinarayi Vijayan became the Chief Minister again. The 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly elections were held in 2021. Eleven women members were elected to the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Sixteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly (2026-2031)
In the elections to the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly, the UDF came to power by winning 102 seats. The LDF won 35 seats and NDA won 3 seats. On May 21, 2026, VD.Satheesan became the Chief Minister. The 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly elections were held in 2026.
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