In a significant political development, the newly appointed Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, V V Rajesh, has been presented with his first formal complaint, urging a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption during the tenure of his predecessor, Arya Rajendran.
Formal Complaint Alleges Multiple Irregularities
The complaint was formally submitted by G S Sreekumar, a former Congress councillor. It calls for a detailed probe into a series of purported irregularities that are claimed to have occurred under the previous administration led by Arya Rajendran. The petition outlines several areas of concern regarding the handling of public affairs and funds.
Key Allegations in the Petition
According to the complaint, serious lapses took place in the management of public funds and administrative decisions. A primary allegation points to the misuse of SST funds and irregularities in their allocation. Furthermore, the complaint accuses the former mayor's administration of nepotism in temporary appointments within the municipal corporation.
The petitioner, G S Sreekumar, has alleged that recruitment lists were prepared under the direct influence of the party headquarters, bypassing fair procedures. The complaint also highlights other serious claims, including:
- Alleged embezzlement of building tax revenues.
- Financial irregularities related to the vehicle insurance and maintenance funds of the corporation.
New Mayor's Response and Next Steps
Upon receiving the detailed complaint, Mayor V V Rajesh has acknowledged the matter. He stated that he would look into the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action as per the legal and administrative framework. This development sets the stage for a potential high-level inquiry into the functioning of the previous municipal corporation leadership in the Kerala capital.
The complaint marks an early challenge for the new mayor and brings the spotlight back on governance and transparency issues within the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. The coming days are likely to see political reactions and formal steps initiated based on this petition.
