LDF seeks written explanation from Kochi corporation secretary over budget leak claim

Kochi: Corporation council held a detailed discussion of the budget on Thursday. During the discussions, LDF councillors withheld formal approval of budget, insisting on a written explanation from corporation secretary over the alleged leak of financial details before official presentation in the council.LDF earlier petitioned to defer the budget, claiming that agenda notes and key figures were disclosed to the media in advance. During discussion, LDF parliamentary party leader V A Sreejith alleged that mayor V K Minimol prevented secretary P S Shibu from responding to the complaint when the budget was tabled.
He said an acknowledgement of the lapse could avoid further controversy and accused the mayor of disregarding council procedures. Sreejith termed the budget unrealistic, alleging that it failed to address drinking water shortages, tidal flooding and workers' welfare. He accused UDF of pushing privatisation under public-private partnership model. UDF members claimed it was a people's budget and was not leaked. Congress councillor Deepthy Mary Varghese defended the budget as forward-looking. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sudha Dileepkumar criticised corporation's reliance on municipal bonds and called for stronger tax collection and better traffic management measures.