In a move to quell a brewing political controversy, Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth has decided to relocate his constituency office from Sasthamangalam to a new premises in Maruthankuzhi. The decision comes after a public dispute with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Sasthamangalam ward councillor R Sreelekha over the allocation of space in a corporation-owned building.
Root of the Controversy: A Clash Over Corporation Space
The conflict originated on December 28, when Councillor Sreelekha reportedly asked MLA Prasanth to vacate the office space he occupies in the same building that houses her councillor's office. Sreelekha cited severe space constraints in her own office as the primary reason for her request. She had earlier taken to social media to highlight the issue, describing her office as being in a space that could "hardly be called a room" and was surrounded by piles of garbage.
However, MLA Prasanth firmly countered the demand. He stated that the city corporation had rented the office space to him under a formal agreement, and this contract remains legally valid until March 31, 2026. He asserted there was no legal basis for him to vacate the premises before the expiry of this contract and initially maintained he would not do so.
Political Undertones and a Conciliatory Pivot
As the issue gained political traction, Councillor Sreelekha later attempted to downplay the confrontation. She clarified that her request was merely for the MLA to "consider" vacating the space and emphasized that there was no personal animosity between them. Sreelekha stated that both she and Prasanth shared a cordial relationship and were even friends.
Despite this conciliatory tone, the MLA announced his decision to shift base. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Prasanth confirmed, "I found a new office at Maruthankuzhi and am shifting there. The move is to avoid the controversies." He suggested that the dispute was being artificially stoked by vested interests with an eye on the forthcoming assembly elections, while simultaneously clarifying that there were no illegalities in his continued stay at the Sasthamangalam office.
Resolution and Moving Forward
The MLA's proactive decision to relocate is expected to bring an end to the public disagreement that had drawn significant political attention in the state capital. By moving his office to Maruthankuzhi, Prasanth aims to preempt any further escalation and focus on his constituency work without the shadow of the dispute. This incident highlights the often-complex dynamics of shared public infrastructure and the political sensitivities that can arise in the run-up to elections in Kerala.
