Driver’s suspension sparks heated exchange in Kochi Corporation Council

The discussion over the suspension of a driver for allegedly misbehaving with a woman staff member led to a heated exchange between the ruling UDF and Opposition LDF benches during the Kochi Corporation Council meeting on Thursday.

The LDF councillors took exception to what they described as arbitrary action against the driver without first verifying the veracity of the complaint. However, the ruling councillors strongly defended the action, with Mayor V.K. Minimol insisting that it was in compliance with the provisions of the Kerala Municipality Act. BJP councillor Priya Prasanth also raised doubts over the suspension and urged the Mayor to reinstate the driver at the earliest, after completing the probe, on humanitarian grounds.

LDF councillor Ambika Sudarsan dubbed it a one-sided action, while her party colleague Elizabeth sought to know whether an Internal Complaints Committee was functioning in the Corporation and why the matter had not been referred to it.

UDF councillor M.G. Aristotle countered, claiming that the Corporation Secretary’s decision to suspend the driver was in accordance with the service rules. This prompted a jibe from the Opposition, which accused Mr. Aristotle of speaking on behalf of the Mayor. At this point, Welfare standing committee chairperson Antony Painuthara jumped to Ms. Minimol’s defence, stating that the Mayor, a lawyer by profession and a four-time councillor, did not need anyone to speak for her.

The discussion turned more chaotic when Ms. Sudarsan alleged that vested interests of the Corporation secretary were behind the punitive action. This triggered a vociferous protest from the ruling councillors, with Henry Austin reminding the Opposition LDF that it was in no position to claim the moral high ground after having spread allegations against Mr. Aristotle during the LDF regime, accusing him of stealing official files related to Brahmapuram.

The discussion took a turn for the worse when, during a heated exchange with Ms. Sudarsan, Mr. Austin asked her to shut up. This prompted the entire Opposition to protest over the remark. Amid the din, the Mayor observed that no unparliamentary expression had been used and reminded councillors of the need to maintain mutual respect.

She wrapped up the discussion by announcing that a memo would be served to the driver to hear his version, and that steps would be taken to ensure that the matter was not made part of his service record.