Congress in Crisis as Bribery Allegations Rock Thrissur Mayor Selection

Thrissur: Following the controversy over the mayoral election in Kochi Corporation, the Congress party is now facing intense internal conflict over the Thrissur Corporation mayoral post as well. Councillor Laly James has openly accused that Dr Niji Justin secured the mayoral position by paying bribes to party leaders. According to Laly James, money was allegedly paid to senior leaders of the KC Venugopal faction in the district to ensure Niji Justin’s induction as mayor.

The allegations, raised soon after the announcement of the Thrissur mayoral candidate, have placed the Congress party in the dock, triggering a serious corruption controversy. Laly James claimed that three days ago, Niji Justin and her husband had visited party leaders carrying a box of cash. Being a four-time councillor, Laly James' name was actively considered for the mayoral post until the final moments. She also claimed that she enjoyed the support of the majority of councillors.

However, she alleged that all democratic norms were discarded in the face of money. Laly James further questioned the leadership’s claim that she lacked state or district-level positions, asking whether Niji Justin—who, according to her, only wears a “white collar”—has ever been seen among the people or participating in public struggles.

“People here say the national leadership intervened in favour of Niji. But I understand it was from here that the path was paved for them. Initially, it was decided not to give her a seat in the election. Even local party workers were against her candidature and said she should not be given a seat. It was then that, suddenly, the seat was allotted citing the intervention of Deepa Das Munshi,” Laly James alleged.

She further said that someone who was never seen in protests or party movements has suddenly emerged as a mayoral candidate. “I had earlier received indications that funds were needed for the party to function,” she added.

The bribery allegations have pushed the Congress party into a severe crisis. The emergence of corruption charges immediately after coming to power in Thrissur has dealt a major blow to the party. Accusations that the Congress tradition of exchanging money for positions is being repeated in Thrissur have already begun to gain strength.