Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly was adjourned sine die on the opening day of the winter session today (Dec 1, 2004), as the Government could not carry on with business, amidst the Opposition protest for removal of Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment.

The decision to cut short the session, scheduled to last for 12 days, was announced by the Speaker Therambil Ramakrishnan, on a request from Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

The Government could not bring around the LDF (Left Democratic Front) Opposition to the proposal to hold a discussion on the Kunhalikutty issue in the afternoon.

At the start of zero hour, the Opposition wanted the adjournment notice given by it to be taken up immediately and disrupted proceedings, leading to an adjournment for a while.

The LDF members reiterated their demand when the House re-assembled at 11.30 hrs (IST).

As the standoff continued, many Opposition members rushed to the well of the House intensifying the protest, when Chandy rose to ask the Speaker to adjourn the House sine die.