Thiruvananthapuram, February 24 – The 15th Kerala Assembly, which was formed on May 3, 2021, concluded on Tuesday.
This term was characterized by both productive legislative work and intense political engagement.
Spanning over 204 sitting days, the Assembly held 1,192 hours and 23 minutes, averaging nearly six hours per day, despite periodic disruptions.
In terms of sitting days, the 140-member Kerala Assembly passed the highest number of laws in the state's history.
Out of the 195 government bills introduced, 168 were enacted, including 29 appropriation bills.
The legislative agenda covered a wide range of issues, including public health, digital science, and cooperative reforms, as well as welfare measures for expatriates and senior citizens, regulation of private universities, amendments to forest laws, and the Kerala Native Card Bill.
A notable feature of this term was the Assembly's willingness to debate adjournment motions under Rule 50, which was previously rare.
Eighteen such debates were admitted, demonstrating a significant allocation of time and highlighting a more accommodating approach to the demands of the opposition.
In a symbolic move that was widely welcomed, the seventh and sixteenth sessions were presided over by a panel of all-female chairpersons.
The Kerala Assembly also witnessed moments of constitutional friction.
On January 25, 2024, then Governor Arif Mohammed Khan delivered the shortest policy address in the history of Kerala, reading only the opening and closing paragraphs.
The Assembly subsequently asserted its authority by adopting the Cabinet-approved text as the official record.
Arif Mohammed Khan's successor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, addressed the Assembly twice during the term.
Accountability mechanisms remained robust.
Over 69,000 questions were admitted, with over 67,800 being printed and answered, further reinforcing the scrutiny of the executive.
Financial oversight committees tabled a record number of reports, while three full State Budgets were passed before the new financial year, which is an uncommon occurrence in Kerala's legislative history.
The Assembly also experienced loss.
Among those who passed away during the term were former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, as well as three other sitting legislators, including former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, along with several former members and national leaders.
The fifteenth State Assembly leaves behind a legacy defined by its legislative output, procedural assertion, and a willingness to engage, often controversially, with the issues of its time.