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Journalism of Courage
When fiery CPI(M) leader A N Shamseer took over as the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly last year, the challenge seemed to have been the refashioning of his image from an MLA known for salvos against detractors of the Pinarayi Vijayan government to one who could preside over the proceedings of the House.
He also suggested something to the effect. Hours after being elected Speaker of the Kerala Assembly in September 2022, Shamseer took to Facebook to quote British author George Eliot. “Never judge a book by its cover,” he wrote. The responsibility of the post was seen as a new chapter in the political career of the 45-year-old CPI(M) leader.
Five months later, Shamseer finds himself at the centre of a row. Unprecedented scenes were witnessed in the Kerala Assembly on Wednesday as a scuffle broke out between Opposition legislators and the security personnel.
This was after the MLAs took out a march to the office of the Speaker, holding a banner that said “the Speaker should show justice”, and accusing him of being biased after their notice for an adjournment motion on women’s security was denied. At least four Opposition MLAs and seven watch-and-ward staff were injured in the exchange.
As the Assembly continued to witness uproarious scenes Thursday, Shamseer said, “The incidents that happened before my chamber yesterday were just unfortunate and unprecedented in the history of the Assembly… It should not have happened.”
Shamseer, whose mentor is former state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, holds a post-graduate degree in anthropology. The two-term legislator, who represents the Thalassery constituency, has often shouted down Opposition members for speaking against the government, the chief minister or Cabinet members. Former speaker M B Rajesh has criticised Shamsheer several times, urging him to maintain order in the House.
A prominent Muslim face of the CPI(M), Shamsheer rose through student politics, going on to become state president of the CPI(M)’s youth wing DYFI or the Democratic Youth Federation of India.
The CPI(M) had another reason to groom Shamseer, who is a member of the party state committee. He belongs to a Muslim family in Thalassery, which bore the brunt of communal violence in 1971. The CPI(M) has always spoken about how it stood with the Muslim community during the riots, highlighting it to demonstrate its commitment to protecting Muslims.
In 2021 though, Shamseer was suddenly eclipsed by P A Mohammed Riyas, the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite being a two-term legislator, Shamseer was not considered for a Cabinet berth in 2021 even as Riyas, a first-time legislator, was made a minister with key portfolios.
