A fresh political controversy erupted in Kerala's capital on Sunday, involving a ruling CPI(M) legislator and a newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor over the allocation of an office space within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation building. The incident, which saw heated exchanges before an eventual handshake, has brought to light the underlying tensions following the BJP's historic win in the city's civic polls.
The Core of the Controversy: A Phone Call for Eviction
Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth alleged that BJP councillor R Sreelekha, a retired Director General of Police (DGP), contacted him directly by phone and demanded that he vacate his MLA office located in the Corporation's building in the Sasthamangalam area. Prasanth, who is also a former Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, stated that his office has been functioning from that rented space for the past seven years.
"She contacted me asking to vacate my office. She said the councillor's office in the same building does not have adequate facilities and that she wants to occupy the space currently used by the MLA," Prasanth told reporters. He expressed strong objection to the manner of the request, likening it to police station procedures and accusing the BJP of attempting to replicate a "Bulldozer Raj" model from some north Indian states in Thiruvananthapuram.
Conflicting Narratives and Space Constraints
Councillor R Sreelekha presented a different version of events. She clarified that she had made only a "humble request" to the MLA, citing a severe lack of adequate space for her to operate her councillor's office and meet the public. "I consider him like a brother. I only requested him politely as I do not have enough space to operate my office and meet the public," Sreelekha claimed.
She pointed out that while she is the councillor for the Sasthamangalam division, her personal residence falls under a different ward, making a local office essential for her public duties. Sreelekha also questioned the official status of the MLA's allotment, stating she was unaware of any formal order and that the matter needed verification.
Resolution and Political Repercussions
Following the public sparring, the two leaders met at Prasanth's office later in the day. After discussions, they shook hands and appeared to bury the hatchet. Sreelekha stated she had no objection to Prasanth continuing to use the office, while the MLA said he had no issue with the councillor operating from another room in the same building.
However, the political fallout continued. City Mayor VV Rajesh indicated that the Corporation would examine the documents related to the renting of the space to the MLA. He noted that the approximately 300-350 square feet area was rented for just Rs 832 per month, a rate he considered very low compared to prevailing city rents. The allotment is currently valid until March 31, 2026, with Prasanth having applied for an extension.
Meanwhile, State Minister V Sivankutty strongly criticised Sreelekha's initial approach, calling it undemocratic and demanding an apology from the former DGP. He accused the BJP of misusing its newfound authority in the Corporation, claiming it had begun implementing "Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat model steps" within just three days of assuming power. "There is a government above the corporation, and it has the right to take decisions," Sivankutty asserted.
The incident highlights the new political dynamics in Thiruvananthapuram, where the BJP ended a four-decade Left stronghold by winning 50 of the 101 divisions in the recent local body elections, setting the stage for potential friction in civic administration.
