Kerala Left Front Intensifies Push for Removal of Jailed BJP Councillor

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has announced an escalation of its protests demanding the removal of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor R. Sugathan from the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Sugathan is currently in judicial custody under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and has missed several council meetings, raising the possibility of disqualification.

LDF Parliamentary Party leader S.P. Deepak questioned the legitimacy of the re-swearing-in of 19 councillors on Thursday, which was ordered by the Kerala High Court after procedural violations were identified. The court had directed 20 councillors, including Sugathan, to retake their oaths. Deepak alleged that the ceremony was conducted secretly and filed a complaint with the Principal Secretary, who was mandated to oversee the process. “The swearing-in was not conducted as per norms,” Deepak stated.

Regarding Sugathan’s attendance, Deepak noted uncertainty about the exact number of council meetings he attended, as official minutes are held by the administration. The Mayor has claimed Sugathan missed only one meeting, a figure Deepak disputes. The LDF plans to continue protests outside the Corporation and during the upcoming council meeting.

Mayor V.V. Rajesh, addressing a press conference on Friday, confirmed that the council meeting will proceed on June 29 as scheduled. He asserted that the BJP-led council is prepared to face any no-confidence motion the opposition might bring. “We will continue safely for the next five years as well as till 2047, the year that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has projected for India to become the world’s largest economy,” Rajesh said.

The Mayor also announced plans to demand a forensic audit of work quality and tendering processes under the Smart City projects, including the Palayam Market rehabilitation complex, shops near the Museum, and the procurement of electric buses.