Deepthy declines to stoke controversy ahead of mayoral election

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary and two-time councillor Deepthy Mary Varghese declined to fuel further controversy over being overlooked for the post of Kochi mayor, but at the same time refused to retract her earlier statements.

Speaking to the media upon her arrival at the Kochi Corporation’s new headquarters ahead of the mayoral election, Ms. Varghese said her remarks had been misinterpreted. She clarified that she had merely pointed out a violation of KPCC guidelines in the selection of the mayoral candidate, and that it was not intended as a complaint or grievance. However, she maintained that she stood by her words.

“Today, I will not say anything more. Today is about the victory of the UDF and Congress. We will work together to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to us by the people,” she said.

When asked about the Congress decision to allow one person to hold the chairman’s post at Thrikkakara municipality for a full term, Ms. Varghese responded that there should be a uniform policy, whether in Thrikkakara or Kochi Corporation. She added that such matters would be discussed in the appropriate party forums.

For the first time since the formation of Thrikkakara municipality, Congress has decided that one person will remain chairman for the entire term. Rashid Ullamppally has been unanimously chosen by Congress councillors for the post, while Shereena Shukkoor of the Indian Union Muslim League will serve as vice-chairman for the full term.

During the previous term, the municipality had witnessed acrimonious scenes over the rotational sharing of the chairman’s post between the ‘A’ and ‘I’ groups of Congress. The vice-chairman’s post, too, was divided among four councillors.