Congress leader alleges BJP council ignored civic crises in Kerala’s capital

Sunny Joseph, head of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and state electricity minister, slammed the BJP‑run Tiruvannamalpuram corporation for turning a blind eye to worsening civic issues in the capital city.

He claimed that the council, which was already facing administrative lapses during the CPI(M) tenure, has become a hotspot for violence and disorder under BJP leadership. Joseph highlighted an incident where UDF leader K.S. Sabirnadhan was assaulted during a council meeting, and a BJP councillor allegedly made offensive remarks about Sabirnadhan’s late father and senior Congress leader G. Karthikeyan.

Two UDF women councillors, S. Shirley and Anitha Alex, were reportedly injured in the same clash and remain under medical treatment. Joseph demanded that law‑enforcement agencies pursue strict action against those who incited the violence.

With monsoon rains arriving, the city is confronting heightened health threats, water‑logging, and other rain‑related problems, while many residents continue to struggle for daily essentials. Joseph criticized the corporation for approving 640 agenda items in a mere five minutes after a 46‑day interval, branding the decision "grossly irresponsible."

He also warned that a BJP councillor, subject to multiple criminal cases under the Kerala Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act, is being defended by the party, indicating a deterioration in the BJP’s ethical standards.