Dissent Erupts in Thrikkakara Municipality, Uma Thomas Flags Lack of Consultation by KPCC

Thiruvananthapuram: UDF leaders clashed with each other amid group rivalry in Thrikkakara Municipality. UDF MLA Uma Thomas came forward with a complaint stating that the term-based arrangement implemented in Kochi Corporation was not followed in Thrikkakara.

Rashid, who belongs to the I Group, was made the municipal chairperson. Although Uma Thomas MLA proposed the name of Shaji Vazhakkala, it was not considered. In her complaint to the KPCC, Uma Thomas pointed out that different rules are being applied in different places across the district.

Despite the UDF securing a majority, the Congress struggled to finalise a chairperson for the municipality, which also became a topic of discussion. Even at the Congress parliamentary party meeting held on Tuesday, consensus could not be reached. Eventually, individual councillors were secretly contacted and asked about their preference for the chairperson post. Since many suggested different names, the party failed to announce a candidate. KPCC Political Affairs Committee member Joseph Vazhacken, MLA Uma Thomas, and Congress core committee members P I Muhammedali, Xavier Thayankeri, and Noushad Pallachi were in charge of overseeing the municipality.

Meanwhile, the boycott of the swearing-in ceremony of Kochi Corporation Mayor VK Minimol by councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese—who is also KPCC General Secretary—also drew attention. The walkout was reportedly in protest over not being given the mayoral post. Deepthi left immediately after the mayoral election results were announced. From the time she arrived at the corporation office in the morning, she had been expressing her dissatisfaction. She told the media that KPCC norms were not followed in deciding the mayor and reiterated that the same standards should apply whether it is Thrikkakara or Kochi. She added that she would reveal more details later.