Thiruvananthapuram: Left Democratic Front (LDF) had clashed with the assembly’s Watch and Ward staff as they attempted to block all entrances into the assembly. Soon after the situation went chaotic the police imposed ‘lathi charge’ in which one member of LDF died.

Kerala finance minister KM Mani on Friday presented the 13th state budget amid ruckus created by opposition parties who are demanding his resignation.

Opposition parties alleged that finance minister KM Mani took a bribe of Rs 1 crore to reopen the closed down bars in the state.

Members of the opposition damaged Speaker N Sakthan’s chair and computer as the house assembled for the day’s proceedings on Friday.

The speaker as well as the finance minister were unable to enter the floor of the assembly and had to retreat to their cabins.

Members of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) came to Mani’s rescue and escorted him to this seat. He tabled the budget amid high drama.

Outside the assembly complex, the Left and the youth wing of the BJP continued their protest since Wednesday evening, pressing for Mani to step down.

Taking up the challenge of the opposition, chief minister Oommen Chandy maintained in the assembly on Wednesday that allegations against Mani were part of a “political conspiracy” and asserted that the minister himself would present the budget.

Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had registered a case against Mani in December last year in connection with the allegations that he had accepted bribe from bar owners to renew liquor licences.

The allegations were levelled by Kerala state Bar Hotel Owner’s Association working president Biju Ramesh.