Thiruvananthapuram : The Kerala assembly witnessed uproarious scenes when a war of words broke out between leader of opposition Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan over an alleged sale of subsidised urea meant for farmers to industries.

Seeking leave for an adjournment motion, Congress legislator V.D. Satheesan said that early this week three trucks of urea arrived at Kottayam and Kochi and TV channels exposed the shady deal between agricultural officials and urea dealers, whereby the chemical fertiliser meant for farmers went to industrial houses.

"A metric tonne of urea costs Rs.21,000 but the centre provides subsidy to the extent of more than Rs.16,000 per tonne to benefit farmers. But, urea at subsidised rates does not reach the farmers. It goes to industries. The state government is sitting idle over this issue for more than four years now," Satheesan said.

State Agriculture Minister Mullakara Ratnakaran said the agriculture secretary will inquire into this and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Satisfied with the reply of the minister, Speaker K. Radhakrishnan denied leave for adjournment motion.