Kala Raju, CPI(M) councillor who was allegedly abducted by her own party workers, staging a protest along with UDF councillors at the council meeting held in Koothattukulam municipality on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The first council meeting of the Koothattukulam municipality since the alleged assault and abduction of Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] councillor Kala Raju last month descended into chaos and was adjourned abruptly when municipal chairperson Vijaya Sivan declined permission for the adjournment motion notice moved by the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday (February 3).
UDF councillors, holding placards, staged a sit-in and shouted slogans in front of the chairperson’s dais, who declared the 30-point agenda approved and adjourned the meeting. Notably, Ms. Raju, who had denied holding any discussions with the opposition earlier in the day, joined the UDF councillors in the protest against the ruling CPI(M) and its chairperson.
“The protest was staged by the UDF raising my issue, so it was only natural for me to join them. If they continue to take such a just stand, I will cooperate with them. The party [CPI(M)] cheated me,” she told reporters inside the council hall.
The UDF’s adjournment motion called for a discussion on two points— the ongoing police custody of the chairperson’s official vehicle and the chairperson’s alleged fake complaints against two UDF councillors, Prince Paul John and Boban Varghese.
The alleged abduction of Ms. Raju occurred just before the council was set to address the no-confidence motions against the chairperson and vice-chairperson on January 18. “Our plea to reschedule the election on the no-confidence motions is before the Kerala High Court,” said Mr. John.
The UDF demanded the resignation of the chairperson and vice-chairperson claiming it had the support of 13 councillors in the 25-member house, thus stating that the ruling Left Democratic Front had lost its majority. However, the LDF rejected the claim.
Municipal Vice-Chairperson Sunny Kuriakose accused Mr. Varghese of making objectionable references against the chairperson. “Ms. Raju has not yet taken any stance against us, nor has she signed the notice for the adjournment motion,” he said.
Later, at a press conference, Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan accused the LDF of insulting the democratic process by bulldozing through with the council meeting. He said that the Congress would not allow Ms. Raju to be targeted simply because she had won on the CPI(M) symbol. Ms. Raju also attended the press conference.
Published – February 03, 2025 09:42 pm IST