The political clash between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the CPI(M) in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation escalated as State Education Minister V. Sivankutty criticized the BJP-led civic administration for alleged governance failures. This dispute follows the BJP’s victory in the 2025 local body polls, ending Left dominance after four decades. Public exchanges between Sivankutty and Mayor V.V. Rajesh have become common in the city’s political scene.
Sivankutty, a former Mayor, expressed concern about the deteriorating civic situation, questioning the effectiveness of long-standing systems. He highlighted issues such as increasing waste, malfunctioning streetlights, water shortages, and the stray dog problem as signs of administrative breakdown. The Minister emphasized that waste management and water supply planning are core responsibilities of the Corporation, not to be outsourced.
Citing the Kerala Municipality Act, Sivankutty stressed that waste management, water supply planning, street lighting, and public health fall under the Corporation’s jurisdiction. He criticized the Corporation for trying to shift blame for water supply problems to the Kerala Water Authority, stating that essential duties cannot be delegated. If those in power fail to fulfill basic responsibilities, their legitimacy is questionable, he added.
The Minister directly criticized Mayor Rajesh, labeling as “absurd” Rajesh’s claim that the Corporation is not accountable for water supply. He accused the BJP leadership of failing to fulfill its promise of presenting a comprehensive development plan for the capital city within 40 days of taking office. Sivankutty also addressed the Vilappilsala waste management project, denying responsibility for its failure and attributing it to political decisions and opposition-backed protests.
The ongoing confrontation between the BJP administration and the CPI(M)-led opposition in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation indicates a prolonged period of politically charged governance amid escalating civic issues.
