LDF and BJP councillors clash as Mayor V.V. Rajesh attempts to enter his office in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Thursday
| Photo Credit: Nirmal Harindran
Close on the heels of the setback suffered by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation after the Kerala High Court directed 20 councillors to retake their oaths, the Corporation premises witnessed high drama on Thursday (June 25, 2026) as the Left Democratic Front (LDF) intensified its protest against the BJP, demanding the resignation of the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor in connection with the oath-taking controversy.
A minor scuffle also broke out between LDF and BJP councillors as the LDF councillors blocked Mayor V.V. Rajesh from entering the office, resulting in a woman councillor being injured in the melee. The Opposition LDF councillors have already been besieging the Mayor’s office, demanding the removal of BJP councillor R. Sugathan, who was arrested under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
While the protest was under way, the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor arrived at the office. When the LDF councillors attempted to stop them, a fistfight broke out between CPI(M) councillors who blocked the Mayor and BJP councillors who came forward in his support. In the ensuing melee, a CPI(M) woman councillor was injured during the pushing and shoving and she was immediately shifted to a hospital.
Although the police tried to intervene, both groups refused to disperse.
Meanwhile, the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor forcibly entered the office, even as LDF councillors continued their protest outside the Mayor’s office and the Corporation office, raising slogans.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Rajesh questioned who had authorised the LDF to decide that the Mayor would not be allowed to enter the office. He said such violence would not be tolerated and also claimed that BJP councillors had been injured in the clash.
Home Secretary approves KAAPA invocation
Meanwhile, the Home Secretary approved the invocation of KAAPA against Mr. Sugathan.
Earlier, the High Court had invalidated the oath-taking of 20 BJP councillors, necessitating the retaking of the oath by the councillors. According to LDF councillors, the elections of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor have become invalid since the BJP councillors retook their oaths the other day following the High Court’s directive. They have been demanding that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor resign and that fresh elections be held.
Published – June 25, 2026 01:57 pm IST