Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party administration in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation successfully outmaneuvered the opposition’s political strategy, securing its stability under the leadership of Mayor V. V. Rajesh. The major political showdown unfolded over a leave application submitted by R. Sugathan, the jailed councillor representing the Vazhottukonam ward.
The opposition alliance, comprising the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, had planned to unseat the ruling administration by exploiting a statutory rule. Under local body regulations, a councillor faces disqualification if they fail to attend three consecutive council meetings. By opposing Sugathan’s leave application, the opposition hoped to trigger his disqualification and tip the delicate balance of power in the council.
However, Mayor V. V. Rajesh turned the tables using smart legal and political tactics. During the council vote, the ruling bench received crucial backing from Sudheesh Kumar, an independent councillor elected from the Poundkadavu ward. This brought the ruling side to a strength of 51 members. When the voting resulted in a tie, Mayor V. V. Rajesh exercised his casting vote to pass the leave application, guaranteeing the numerical advantage required to safeguard the local government.
A key tool in the ruling party’s strategy was an official circular issued by the Home Department regarding Sugathan’s petition seeking protection to attend council meetings. The circular specified that leave could be granted if the council approved the application by a majority vote. Armed with this government directive, the mayor and the ruling party effectively dismantled the opposition’s objections.
The controversy surrounding Councillor Sugathan has a history of high drama. Following his arrest, Mayor Rajesh made headlines by visiting Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur to oversee his swearing-in ceremony. By overcoming this latest obstacle in the council, the BJP leadership has demonstrated its tactical resilience, sending a clear message to rivals that its local administration intends to complete its five-year tenure without disruption.
Although CPM and Congress leaders are preparing to challenge the council’s decision in court, the BJP remains confident in its legal position. Ruling party leaders believe that combining the Home Department’s circular with the democratic approval of the council majority provides a bulletproof defense against any upcoming legal challenges.
