Thrissur Cong councillor alleges Mayor's post was sold for money

Thrissur: Despite DCC president Adv Joseph Tajet's assertions that the mayoral selection for the Thrissur Corporation was unanimous, a rift within the party reared its head after Congress councillor Lali James expressed her dissatisfaction with the decision to tap Dr Niji Justin for the post.

On Friday, she alleged that the party sold the post for money and trained her guns on Tajet. She told the media that those eyeing the city's top job approached district leaders with a bagful of cash. She said that the mayoral post 'rightfully belonged to her' but was sidelined for the post because she did not have money. Lali also alleged that the deals were finalised two days ago.

"When I realised that I would not be made the Mayor, I met senior party leader Therambil Ramakrishnan. He was visibly shaken after my daughter questioned him (regarding Lali's omission)." According to Lali, a majority of the councillors had supported her name, yet she was ignored. She said she asked the leadership if she could be made the Mayor at least for the first year. But she was told that she could be made Mayor for one year of the five-year term, but not at the beginning. However, she was not willing to accept that formula. Despite the open revolt, Lali said she would continue as a Congress worker.

Vigilance complaint
Meanwhile, activist Vimal K K from Alappuzha has filed a complaint with the Vigilance Department seeking a probe into the allegations raised by Lali James. The complaint calls for a thorough investigation into the claim that the Thrissur mayor’s post was handed over to Dr Niji Justin in exchange for money. It also seeks an examination of the credibility of Lali James’s allegations and demands strict action if the claims are found to be substantiated.