BJP steps up demand for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CPI(M) councillor’s resignation over bribery allegations

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its demands for the resignation of Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] councillor Ajin S., representing the Thrikannapuram ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, who has been facing allegations of demanding bribes from a landowner. A purported video of him demanding ₹10 lakh from Sanju, a native of Thirumala, to resolve issues concerning a plot he purchased in the ward, had begun circulating two days ago.

Mr. Sanju alleged that Mr. Ajin approached him, claiming that there were liability and encroachment issues concerning the land. He later filed complaints with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner. However, Mr. Ajin denied the allegations and said the footage being circulated was fabricated and edited. He said that the fabricated video was being spread to discredit him as he had taken a stand against attempts to commercially exploit government land.

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BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in a post on his X handle, said that CPI(M) leaders weaponise power to loot ordinary citizens.

“There is no place for this kind of councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. I request Mayor V.V. Rajesh to place this before the Council immediately and lead a full debate. The footage must be examined. Accountability cannot wait,” he posted.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan said on Saturday that the CPI(M) will conduct an internal inquiry into allegations against the councillor. He said that the matter had come to the party’s notice and that the Thiruvananthapuram district committee would conduct an inquiry.

Mayor V.V. Rajesh said that the Corporation was yet to file a complaint in the matter and that certain legal aspects were being examined.

United Democratic Front Parliamentary Party Leader K.S. Sabarinadhan said that the allegations are extremely serious, and if established upon investigation, would amount to a grave breach of the public trust attached to the offices of an elected councillor and may attract provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and Kerala Municipality Act 1994.