Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph criticized the BJP-led administration in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, labeling the recent violence and disorder as a disgrace to Kerala. Joseph, who also serves as the State Electricity Minister, pointed out a further deterioration in the Corporation’s functioning since the BJP took charge. He highlighted instances of violence within the council, including an altercation where UDF Parliamentary Party leader K.S. Sabarinadhan was reportedly physically assaulted.
Referring to the incident during the Corporation Council meeting, Joseph accused a BJP councillor of making disrespectful comments about Sabarinadhan’s late father, veteran Congress leader G. Karthikeyan. He also mentioned that UDF women councillors S. Sherly and Anita Alex, who were victims of the violence, are currently receiving medical treatment. Joseph criticized the behavior of CPI(M) and BJP councillors, likening it to that of street hooligans, and called for strict legal action by the police against those responsible for the violence.
Joseph further alleged that the BJP and the Left have collectively overlooked civic issues affecting the capital city’s residents. He highlighted challenges faced by the city during the monsoon, such as diseases, waterlogging, and other rain-related problems, along with the struggles of many residents to meet basic daily needs. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, Joseph criticized the Council for swiftly passing 640 agenda items in just five minutes during its first meeting after a 46-day hiatus, labeling it as a display of gross irresponsibility.
The KPCC chief also accused the BJP of compromising its standards in defending a Councillor implicated under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and facing multiple criminal cases. Joseph emphasized that the BJP’s leadership of the Corporation has revealed its true nature to the public.
