BJP Scrambles to Retain Power in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Amid Sugathan's Arrest

Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP, which came to power in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with the support of an independent councillor, is struggling to retain its hold on the administration. With one of its councillors lodged in jail under the KAAPA case, the Mayor and the ruling group are reportedly in a position where they do not even have the confidence to convene a council meeting.

The BJP is making all efforts to secure bail for councillor Sugathan, who is lodged in Viyyur Central Jail. Mayor V V Rajesh has directly approached the court in this regard.

The Kerala High Court had earlier annulled the oath-taking of 20 BJP councillors, including Sugathan, for violating procedural rules. While 19 councillors have since taken the oath again, Sugathan, who remains under preventive detention, has not yet been able to do so. The two-week period granted by the High Court for completing the oath-taking process is set to expire soon.

The Mayor has approached the Nedumangad court seeking Sugathan's release on bail for at least one day to enable him to comply with the High Court's order. After hearing the matter, the court sought a report from the Commissioner. The case has been posted for hearing on Thursday after examining the police report.

Meanwhile, the BJP's efforts to secure Sugathan's release in the KAAPA case have also failed. With the KAAPA Board directing that he remain under detention for six months, the Corporation's administration crisis has reportedly deepened.