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 claimed that she was sidelined for the post because she did not have money. Lali also alleged that the deals were finalised two days ago.

She told the media that the mayoral post that 'rightfully belonged to her'. "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 claimed 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.