‘From Class Troublemaker to Assembly Speaker’: Shamsheer Opens Up at Kerala Literature International Book Festival

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker A N Shamsheer offered a candid glimpse into his political journey, sharing both humorous and poignant moments, during the fifth day of the Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival.

In a session titled ‘My Legislative Life’ with N E Sudheer, Shamsheer reflected on his first entry into the Assembly in 2016. “When I first became an MLA, I felt the excitement of a child going to school. Becoming the 24th Speaker, however, is a responsibility I could never have imagined, even in my dreams. I am proud to have achieved this despite the presence of senior leaders who were already part of the Assembly long before I was born,” he said.

The Speaker also addressed the playful jibes he has faced since taking office. “People joked that the most mischievous child in the class had been made the class leader. I’ve always taken such comments in good spirit and even enjoyed them,” he said with a smile.

But Shamsheer’s tenure began with a solemn moment: reading the obituary of political mentor Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. “It was a great sorrow to begin my term with that responsibility. I carried out my duties with a heavy heart,” he added.

Highlighting the success of the Assembly’s Book Festival, Shamsheer credited former Speaker and current Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh’s vision. “Giving prominence to cultural art forms like Theyyam and the tireless efforts of Assembly staff made the festival a resounding success,” he said.

On a personal note, Shamsheer described his close working relationships with ministers K N Balagopal, P Rajeev, V Shivankutty, and Ganesh Kumar. He also reaffirmed his stance on human–wildlife conflicts, saying he will always stand on the side of humanity.

With humour, humility, and a touch of nostalgia, Shamsheer painted a vivid picture of his political journey, from being the Assembly’s “troublemaker” to its Speaker.