The newly elected governing body of the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation officially began its term on Sunday, with a formal swearing-in ceremony held at the corporation council hall. This event sets the stage for a new chapter in the city's civic administration, with a focus on pressing urban challenges.
Oath-Taking Ceremony Highlights
District Collector Anu Kumari administered the oath of office to UDF's K R Cleetus, the senior-most councillor representing the Nanthancode ward. Following this, Cleetus proceeded to administer the oath to the remaining members of the council. The ceremony saw distinctive moments, with BJP councillor Karamana Ajith taking his oath in Sanskrit. Former DGP and Sasthamangalam councillor concluded her pledge with the words 'Vande Mataram'.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Sub-Collector and Returning Officer O V Alfred, District Planning Officer Praveen P, District Supply Officer Sindhu K V, and District Labour Officer Biju A. Legislators Kadakampally Surendran, V K Prasanth, and Antony Raju, along with Corporation Secretary Jahamgeer S, were also present.
Post-Oath Proceedings and Political Landscape
After the formalities, the newly constituted council held its first meeting, chaired by the senior-most member. The proceedings were marked by cultural expressions, as BJP councillors sang 'ganageetham' inside the hall. The gathering later joined together in singing Vande Mataram, bringing the ceremony to a close.
The recent local body elections reshaped the corporation's composition, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The LDF and UDF also secured substantial representation, and two independent members were elected. BJP district president Karamana Jayan announced that the party's mayoral candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation will be declared on Wednesday, with the mayor election scheduled for Friday. He indicated that internal discussions are ongoing and the final decision will align with both organisational goals and the public mandate.
Forward Agenda and Pending Election
The swearing-in ceremony marks the commencement of the new administrative term, during which the corporation is expected to tackle key civic issues. Priority areas include urban infrastructure development, waste management, drinking water supply, and traffic regulation.
Meanwhile, the election for the Vizhinjam ward, which was postponed following the death of a candidate, is now scheduled for January 12. With the council now in place, political attention is shifting towards the formation of the mayoral council and the allocation of crucial standing committee positions. The new governing body is anticipated to hold further meetings in the coming days to outline its administrative agenda for the term ahead.
