Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in turmoil as BJP faces majority loss and CPI(M) councillor is hit by bribe probe

The CPI(M) has ordered an internal inquiry into allegations that one of its Thiruvananthapuram municipal councillors demanded a ₹10 lakh bribe to settle a land dispute. The scandal emerges just as the local corporation faces a potential shift in power, with the ruling BJP on the verge of losing its slim majority following a high-profile resignation.

The bribery allegation involves Ajin S, the CPI(M) councillor representing Thrikkannapuram ward. A local resident, Sanju, released audio and video clips showing Ajin allegedly demanding ₹10 lakh to clear up issues on a 19-cent plot of land near MLA Road.

According to the complainant, the councillor warned him of potential land encroachment and liability claims, offering to resolve the matter in exchange for a share of the land's sale value. Sanju also alleged that Ajin threatened to halt construction work by involving the local police and village officers, and even suggested that youth wing activists from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) would plant flags on the property to disrupt development.

Sanju has filed formal complaints with the Home Minister and the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner.

Ajin has strongly denied the claims, describing the recordings as fabricated and edited to target him. He countered that he had simply flagged an illegal encroachment on public land and suggested the allegations were politically motivated, pointing out that the complainant is associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The political fallout has been swift. CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan confirmed that the party’s Thiruvananthapuram district committee will conduct an inquiry into the matter. Meanwhile, Mayor V.V. Rajesh stated that municipal officials are examining the available details, though he noted that the corporation has legal limits when investigating individual councillors.

BJP's majority in jeopardy

The bribery scandal coincides with a severe governance headache for the BJP, which currently runs the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Retired DGP R. Sreelekha, who was elected as a BJP councillor, has tendered her resignation to the mayor. Her sudden decision is reportedly linked to her disappointment over not being appointed mayor, despite being projected as the party's mayoral candidate during the 2025 local body elections.

Sreelekha’s departure would leave the BJP with 49 seats in the council—short of a majority. The party currently holds 51 seats, including the support of an independent councillor. The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) holds 29 seats, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) has 20.

Mayor Rajesh confirmed he received Sreelekha's resignation letter on September 30, citing personal reasons, and said efforts are underway to resolve her grievances.

However, the resignation is not yet official. Corporation Secretary J. Muhammed Shafi explained that under Section 40 of the Kerala Municipality Act, a councillor’s resignation must be submitted directly to the secretary to be legally binding. Shafi stated he has not received any official notification and has yet to inform the Election Commission.

The LDF is watching the unfolding crisis closely. While Govindan termed Sreelekha's resignation an internal BJP matter, he made it clear that the Left would not hesitate to act if the BJP administration collapses.

"Do we have any obligation that the BJP must continue running the corporation when a governance crisis arises?" Govindan told reporters, indicating that the LDF is prepared to move if an opportunity to regain control of the civic body presents itself.