The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala has launched a sharp accusation against the state's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. The party alleges that the government is making a deliberate attempt to financially destabilise the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This move comes just before the newly elected councillors are scheduled to take their oaths.
Allegations of Financial Sabotage
At the heart of the controversy is a directive from the state government. BJP state secretary S Suresh claimed that the government has ordered the corporation secretary to remit a massive sum of Rs 200 crore from the civic body's account to the state treasury. Suresh labelled this order as highly objectionable and a clear violation of the model code of conduct.
He pointed out that the newly elected councillors have not yet been sworn in. Furthermore, the State Election Commission has notified a fresh election for the Vizhinjam ward, where polling was postponed earlier. "It is in this context that the government and corporation officials were trying to transfer money to the state treasury," Suresh stated. He argued that citing an old order to move such a large sum can only be seen as a direct attempt to topple the functioning of the democratically elected local body.
BJP's Countermeasures and Commission's Role
In response to this perceived threat, the BJP has taken a two-pronged approach. Firstly, the party has publicly demanded that the state government immediately desist from this financial manoeuvre. Secondly, and more significantly, the BJP has formally approached the State Election Commission. They have requested the commission to intervene and stop the corporation secretary from transferring the funds before the swearing-in ceremony of the new council.
The State Election Commission's role is crucial here, as it oversees the electoral process. The commission had, on Wednesday, issued a notification announcing a new date for the election to the Vizhinjam ward. Polling in this coastal ward will now be held on January 12. The election was initially postponed following the unfortunate death of an independent candidate.
Historical Grievances and Political Motives
BJP district president Karamana Jayan echoed the allegations, stating that the government's move signals a clear intent to cripple the corporation financially. He brought historical context into the fray, alleging that the LDF government has a track record of not returning money it takes from local bodies. Jayan insinuated that the timing of this transfer order, with the BJP poised to gain significant ground in the corporation, reveals ulterior political motives aimed at hampering the new council's administration from day one.
The BJP's strong protest highlights the tense political landscape in Kerala's capital city. The party views this financial directive as a pre-emptive strike against the incoming council, potentially aimed at creating operational hurdles and a liquidity crisis for the civic administration. The coming days will reveal whether the State Election Commission intervenes and how the state government responds to these serious allegations of financial overreach and code of conduct violation.
