Two important government departments in Kerala — the Home Department and the Health Department — faced strong criticism from the opposition during the final session of the 15th Kerala Assembly, which ended on February 24.
However, the criticism was not mainly about specific controversies. Instead, it focused on the lack of proper answers given in the Assembly.
Over the past few years, opposition members have repeatedly raised serious issues. These include allegations of police excesses, misuse of power, custodial violence, and delays in action against officers accused of wrongdoing. At the same time, there have been repeated complaints about medical negligence in government hospitals, lack of proper patient care, and delays in treatment.
Many of these concerns were brought up inside the Assembly during different sessions. But according to opposition leaders, several questions were either left unanswered or were given vague replies. In some cases, the responses did not directly address the main issue raised.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has often said that his government follows a zero-tolerance policy against police misconduct. Similarly, the Health Minister has stated that strict action is taken whenever medical negligence is reported.
However, opposition members argue that the official records of the Assembly show a different picture. They say that many detailed questions raised from the beginning of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly up to its 16th session have not received clear and complete responses.
Critics claim that instead of detailed explanations or updates on action taken, the government often provided general statements or assurances. This has left many important matters unresolved in the public domain.
As the 15th Assembly term comes to an end, opposition parties say these unanswered questions highlight a larger issue — the need for greater transparency and accountability in key departments that directly affect people’s safety and health.