Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) – In a dramatic turn of events, Koothattukulam Municipality councillor Kala Raju, who was allegedly abducted by CPI(M) workers last month, has declared her decision to extend issue-based support to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) while refusing to resign from her post.
Addressing the media alongside Congress Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Raju, who won her seat on a CPI(M) ticket, asserted that her stance did not constitute defection since the party had not issued a whip regarding her position.
Joining UDF members in a protest inside the council hall, she remarked, “The UDF has supported my conscience. There is no need for me to resign. My stand is based on issues at hand.”
She further justified her decision by stating that her victory was not solely due to CPI(M) votes but also from a diverse voter base, which, according to her, negated the argument of defection.
The council meeting witnessed heated arguments and disruptions after UDF’s motion for an emergency discussion on Raju’s abduction was denied. UDF members raised placards, staged protests inside the hall, and demanded the resignation of the municipal chairperson.
He cited the Ernakulam Rural ASP’s inquiry report, which pointed to “severe lapses, dereliction of duty, and illegal actions” by the police. He further claimed that Muvattupuzha DySP, who was directly responsible, had not faced any action.
"The fact that a police official is being protected clearly indicates that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who holds the Home portfolio, along with other CPI(M) leaders, was involved in a high-level conspiracy," Kuzhalnadan asserted.
Regarding the controversy over Raju’s allegiance shift, Kuzhalnadan stated that the UDF was merely offering political support to a woman who was “assaulted in broad daylight.” He added that discussions on her resignation on moral grounds could be taken up later.
The police arrested five CPI(M) workers in connection with the case, but they were later released on bail. However, CPI(M) has denied any involvement, accusing the Congress of fabricating the incident.
Currently, the Koothattukulam Municipality remains under LDF control with 13 members, while the UDF holds 11 seats, and one independent councillor completes the 25-member council.
This political turmoil continues to escalate as both factions gear up for further confrontations over the governance of the municipality.
Addressing the media alongside Congress Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Raju, who won her seat on a CPI(M) ticket, asserted that her stance did not constitute defection since the party had not issued a whip regarding her position.
First Council Meeting Since Alleged Abduction
Raju participated in the municipal council meeting on Monday for the first time since the alleged abduction incident. She stated that the assault on her was a key discussion point in the meeting and that since the UDF raised the issue, she decided to align with them.Joining UDF members in a protest inside the council hall, she remarked, “The UDF has supported my conscience. There is no need for me to resign. My stand is based on issues at hand.”
She further justified her decision by stating that her victory was not solely due to CPI(M) votes but also from a diverse voter base, which, according to her, negated the argument of defection.
CPI(M) Maintains Majority Claim
CPI(M) leader and Municipal Vice-Chairman Sunny Kuriakose dismissed concerns of losing majority, stating that issuing a whip was unnecessary. He pointed out that in Monday's meeting, only 12 of the 25 council members backed the UDF’s emergency motion notice, reaffirming the LDF's hold over the municipality.The council meeting witnessed heated arguments and disruptions after UDF’s motion for an emergency discussion on Raju’s abduction was denied. UDF members raised placards, staged protests inside the hall, and demanded the resignation of the municipal chairperson.
Allegations Against CPI(M) and Kerala CM
Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF has accused the CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of orchestrating a high-level conspiracy behind Raju’s abduction. Kuzhalnadan alleged that the police, instead of preventing the incident, enabled the Left activists’ actions.He cited the Ernakulam Rural ASP’s inquiry report, which pointed to “severe lapses, dereliction of duty, and illegal actions” by the police. He further claimed that Muvattupuzha DySP, who was directly responsible, had not faced any action.
"The fact that a police official is being protected clearly indicates that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who holds the Home portfolio, along with other CPI(M) leaders, was involved in a high-level conspiracy," Kuzhalnadan asserted.
UDF Demands Resignations and Legal Action
Kuzhalnadan demanded the resignation of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Koothattukulam Municipality, arguing that they had lost majority support. He also announced that the UDF would continue both political and legal battles over the incident.Regarding the controversy over Raju’s allegiance shift, Kuzhalnadan stated that the UDF was merely offering political support to a woman who was “assaulted in broad daylight.” He added that discussions on her resignation on moral grounds could be taken up later.
Background of the Incident
Kala Raju was allegedly assaulted and forcibly taken away by LDF workers on January 18, just as she arrived at the Koothattukulam Municipality to vote in a no-confidence motion against the LDF-led administration.The police arrested five CPI(M) workers in connection with the case, but they were later released on bail. However, CPI(M) has denied any involvement, accusing the Congress of fabricating the incident.
Currently, the Koothattukulam Municipality remains under LDF control with 13 members, while the UDF holds 11 seats, and one independent councillor completes the 25-member council.
This political turmoil continues to escalate as both factions gear up for further confrontations over the governance of the municipality.
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