Thrissur: The District Congress Committee (DCC) has selected Dr Niji Justin as the Mayor of the Thrissur Corporation. Addressing the media here on Thursday, DCC president Adv Joseph Tajet said that A Prasad will be the Deputy Mayor.

He rubbished reports of a rift within the Congress over the selection of the Thrissur Mayor.

“We began the discussions to select the Mayor after the swearing-in ceremony of the elected councillors. We followed all procedures prescribed by the KPCC and reached a unanimous decision today. Members of the Parliamentary Party, including the councillors, took the decision on the Mayor. As DCC president, I also sought the personal opinions of the councillors. Based on these opinions, discussions were held with the core committee leadership and the KPCC leadership,” said Joseph Target while briefing the media.

The election to the mayor and deputy mayor posts will be held in all corporation across the state on Friday. 

Dr Niji, the incumbent DCC vice-president, is a former Youth Congress state general secretary and Mahila Congress state secretary. She was elected from Division 21, Kizhakkumpattukkara, in Thrissur Corporation.

Ayyanthole division councillor A Prasad, who began his political career as a KSU worker, is currently serving as KPCC secretary. 

“I’m happy to receive this good news on Christmas Day. I would like to thank the DCC and KPCC leadership for the opportunity to lead the Corporation. I hope to govern the Corporation through teamwork. The support of councillors will be sought for Thrissur’s development as well as the welfare of the people,” Dr Niji told the media.

A gynaecologist by profession, she has been active in the Congress for the past 30 years. Beyond politics, she has led several initiatives promoting women’s health. Around 25 years ago, she helped introduce a major change in maternity care by allowing husbands into the labour room. She also played a crucial role in promoting the concept of comprehensive wellness for pregnant women.