Oath controversy: Protest marks Thiruvananthapuram corporation council meet

Thiruvananthapuram: First council meeting of NDA-led city corporation commenced on Wednesday on a stormy note, with LDF-led opposition raising a point of order over a high court notice linked to the swearing-in of 20 councillors. The opposition alleged that NDA and UDF councillors violated rules by taking an oath in the name of gods during the swearing-in ceremony, an issue now under high court's consideration.Opposition leader in the council S P Deepak argued that participation of 20 councillors in the proceedings was questionable, claiming that high court served notice to the standing counsel of the corporation in this regard. He maintained that until the matter was resolved, the councillors should not be considered eligible to sit in the council. However, mayor V V Rajesh rejected the claim, stating that neither the corporation nor he received any official communication or notice from the high court. UDF councillor K S Sabarinadhan also objected to the opposition's stance. BJP councillor M R Gopan defended the corporation, pointing out that the district collector already informed the councillors that the district administration could not act on the complaint filed by left councillors and that the matter had to be addressed by the court. The meeting then proceeded with the presentation of agenda items. The development standing committee agenda, tabled by chairperson Karamana Ajith, drew sharp criticism from the opposition. Opposition councillor Vanchiyoor Babu alleged that the agendas were not presented or discussed in a proper manner, leading to a brief verbal exchange between him and Ajith. During discussions, Sabarinadhan alleged that the ward delimitation carried out ahead of the local body elections was unscientific. He also demanded a special development package for the upliftment of fisherfolk families. Responding to the concerns, mayor announced that the corporation would purchase 101 vehicles for improved waste management, including five tipper trucks and that tender proceedings have already begun. Rajesh also announced citywide fogging to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. A decision regarding the stray dog rehabilitation centre at Kattayikonam would be finalised before Jan 30, he added. Meanwhile, UDF councillor K H Sudheer Khan of Vizhinjam ward was formally sworn in ahead of the commencement of the council meeting.