A political confrontation at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation escalated into a brief scuffle between CPI(M) and BJP councillors on Thursday. The clash was triggered by ongoing disputes over a controversial oath-taking issue and demands for the resignation of a BJP councillor facing legal action.
Cpim Protest Intensifies Over Councillor and Oath Controversy
Tension gripped the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation premises after CPI(M) councillors staged a protest outside the office of Mayor V V Rajesh. The Left party has been demanding the resignation of BJP councillor R Sugathan, who was recently arrested in an assault case and booked under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). The protest gained momentum following a recent Kerala High Court verdict that invalidated the oath taken by several BJP councillors.
The High Court had ruled that the councillors failed to adhere to the legally prescribed oath format after invoking names and expressions beyond the approved text. Following the judgment, the BJP councillors took a fresh oath. However, CPI(M) leaders alleged that the renewed oath-taking process also violated procedural norms, further fueling the political dispute within the civic body.
Scuffle Breaks Out Outside Mayor's Chamber
The situation turned tense when Mayor V V Rajesh, accompanied by BJP councillors, attempted to enter his office amid the protest. According to police officials, CPI(M) councillors allegedly blocked access to the Mayor's chamber, resulting in a brief confrontation between members of the two political groups.
Several councillors, including women representatives from both sides, reportedly sustained minor injuries during the altercation. Police personnel quickly intervened and restored order, allowing the Mayor to enter his office. Some injured councillors were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical examination and treatment.
Speaking to reporters, Mayor Rajesh questioned the legitimacy of obstructing access to the Mayor's office. He stated that democratic protests are acceptable, but blocking official functioning affects public services and civic administration. He also condemned what he described as attempts to disrupt governance through aggressive tactics.
Both Parties Trade Allegations
The political fallout continued after the incident, with both CPI(M) and BJP leaders accusing each other of provoking violence. BJP representatives alleged that Left councillors deliberately obstructed official work and created an atmosphere of confrontation. CPI(M) leaders, meanwhile, claimed that BJP councillors initiated physical aggression and alleged that one of their women councillors suffered a head injury during the clash.
Despite police intervention, Left councillors continued their protest outside the Mayor's office, demanding his resignation and raising slogans against the BJP-led administration. The confrontation highlights growing tensions within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation since the BJP-led NDA assumed power in December 2025.
Political Significance of the Corporation Dispute
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has witnessed heightened political competition since the NDA ended the Left Democratic Front's uninterrupted 45-year rule by securing 50 of the 101 seats in the civic body. Since taking control, the BJP-led administration and the opposition CPI(M) have frequently clashed over governance, procedural issues, and political accountability.
The latest controversy surrounding the councillors' oath and the legal case against R Sugathan has further intensified the rivalry. Political observers believe the dispute could have broader implications for local governance and future political alignments in Kerala, particularly as both parties seek to strengthen their influence ahead of upcoming electoral contests. With allegations and counter-allegations continuing from both sides, the developments at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation are expected to remain a major political talking point in Kerala in the coming days.
