Opposition to step up protest against ruling BJP at Thiruavananthapuram Corporation

The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is all set to step up their protests against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a host of issues, including the demand for ouster of BJP councillor R. Sugathan, who has not attended recent council meetings and faces the prospect of disqualification.

Mr. Sugathan was arrested under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), and is currently lodged at the high-security correctional facility at Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur.

LDF Parliamentary Party leader S.P. Deepak said the re-swearing-in of 19 councillors on Wednesday, after the Kerala High Court directed 20 councillors including Mr. Sugathan to retake their oaths over violations, also remained suspect as the ceremony was held in a secret manner.

“I have sent a complaint to the Principal Secretary, who was supposed to oversee the meeting as per the court order. The swearing-in on Wednesday was not conducted as per norms. With regard to Mr. Sugathan, we still don’t know the exact number of council meetings he attended as the minutes and records are with the administration. The Mayor now claims that he missed only one meeting, which is not true,” said Mr. Deepak. He said that the LDF will continue its protests outside the Corporation as well as in the upcoming council meeting.

No-confidence motion

The UDF’s parliamentary party meeting on Friday decided to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led administration over its failure to address issues including waste management, stray dogs, and drinking water scarcity. The UDF will also organise a protest on Monday (June 29) at the Corporation office, said Congress councillor K.S. Sabarinadhan.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Mayor V.V. Rajesh said the council meeting will be convened on June 29, as decided earlier. He said the BJP is ready to face a no-confidence motion, which the Opposition is planning to move in the meeting. “We will continue safely for the next five years as well as till 2047, the year that Narendra Modi has projected for India to turn into the biggest economic power in the world,” he said.

Mr. Rajesh said the Corporation will demand a forensic audit of the work quality and tendering of various initiatives under the Smart City projects, including the Palayam Market rehabilitation complex, the shops near the Museum, and tendering of electric buses.