Oath Controversy Triggers Violent Clash Between CPI(M) and BJP Councillors in Thiruvananthapuram
A heated clash erupted between CPI(M) and BJP councillors at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, triggered by a controversy over oaths and legal issues involving a BJP member. The incident resulted in injuries and disrupted administrative operations at the Mayor's office.
Highlights
- •A clash occurred between CPI(M) and BJP councillors at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
- •The unrest followed demands for the resignation of a BJP councillor booked under the KAAPA.
- •Tensions were amplified by a Kerala High Court ruling invalidating earlier oaths taken by BJP members.
- •Several female councillors were injured, and police intervention was required to restore access to the Mayor's office.
Tensions escalated at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Thursday as a political clash broke out between CPI(M) and BJP councillors. The confrontation occurred outside the office of Mayor V V Rajesh, stemming from intense disagreements regarding recent local political developments and administrative controversies.
The immediate spark for the demonstration was a demand by CPI(M) members for the resignation of a BJP councillor, R Sugathan. Sugathan has recently faced arrest in connection with an assault case and has been booked under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). The protesting left-wing councillors utilized this incident to escalate pressure on the local administration.
Clash Over Oath Controversy and Administrative Blockades
The atmosphere in Thiruvananthapuram had already been charged following a ruling by the Kerala High Court. The court invalidated the oath taken by several BJP councillors who had invoked names other than the traditional reference to "God" or had employed non-standard expressions during the swearing-in process. This judicial decision prompted a subsequent round of oath-taking, which the CPI(M) alleged was conducted improperly.
As Mayor V V Rajesh, accompanied by fellow BJP councillors, attempted to enter his chamber on Thursday, they were obstructed by CPI(M) members staging a sit-in. This blockade triggered a scuffle between the opposing groups. Local law enforcement officials intervened to disperse the crowd and clear a path, but not before several individuals, predominantly female councillors, sustained injuries. Some of the injured were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Following the unrest, Mayor Rajesh expressed his frustration regarding the disruption of municipal work. He emphasized that while democratic protest is a fundamental right, blocking the entrance to the Mayor's office severely impedes the execution of public duties and civic responsibilities. He firmly stated that his administration would not yield to tactics of intimidation or what he described as disruptive behavior, urging the opposition to utilize legal and democratic channels for their grievances.
In response, CPI(M) leadership maintained that the BJP councillors initiated the physical confrontation. They reported that one of their own female councillors suffered a head injury during the chaos. The CPI(M) faction continued to maintain a protest presence outside the Mayor's chamber, persisting in their demands for his resignation. The current political climate in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation remains fragile following the BJP-led NDA victory in December 2025, which ended 45 years of continuous rule by the LDF.
