Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has been elected as the Speaker of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly, marking a significant milestone in the veteran UDF leader’s political career. The election was conducted smoothly without any major disruptions, defying expectations of dramatic showdowns or invalid votes.

The much-discussed mystery of the missing vote has now been laid to rest. With the UDF holding 102 seats in the assembly, many were surprised when Thiruvanchoor received only 101 votes. LDF candidate AC Moideen secured 35 votes, while BJP’s BB Gopakumar got 3 votes. The one missing UDF vote has been the subject of intense speculation on social media.

The vote counting was completed swiftly and efficiently under the supervision of Pro-tem Speaker G Sudhakaran, who presided over the election proceedings with notable fairness. Given the disciplined voting patterns of both the ruling and opposition coalitions, Sudhakaran did not need to exercise his casting vote.

This is also the first time the BJP has fielded a candidate for the Speaker’s post in the Kerala Assembly, a notable political development.

After his election, Thiruvanchoor made his way to Puthuppally House in Jagathy, the residence of the late Oommen Chandy. There, he met with Chandy’s wife and son Chandy Oommen. In an emotional moment, Thiruvanchoor recalled his long association with the former Chief Minister, describing him as someone who holds a deep place in his heart. Chandy Oommen noted that even upon becoming Speaker, Thiruvanchoor’s first thought was to visit his father’s home, underscoring the bond between the two leaders.

Thiruvanchoor, known for his calm and diplomatic style, is expected to bring his extensive administrative experience to the Speaker’s chair. Having successfully handled key portfolios including Home, Revenue, Vigilance, Forest, Environment, and Cinema in previous UDF governments, his parliamentary expertise is expected to help manage the intense debates and disputes anticipated in the new term.

Both Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan jointly escorted the new Speaker to the dais, setting aside political differences to honour democratic traditions. The coming days will see critical sessions including the new UDF government’s policy address and budget presentation, and all eyes will be on how Thiruvanchoor manages the delicate balance between the ruling front and a strong opposition.