Uncertainty over BJP councillor’s continuation following Kerala Home department’s withdrawal of letter

With the Home department withdrawing a letter that enabled Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V.Rajesh to grant six months leave to jailed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor R.Sugathan, uncertainty remains over his continuation in council.

The Opposition has already questioned the validity of the council decision. The Home Department on Thursday withdrew the letter dated July 20 and signed by an under secretary on behalf of the Additional Chief Secretary, which was sent to Mr. Sugathan in response to his request for an escort parole to take part in the council meeting on July 31.

During the council meeting on July 31, the Mayor had read out the letter which suggested Mr.Sugathan submit a leave letter to the council through the Jail Superintendent. It also said that his councillor post will be “safe” if the council approves the request through voting. The letter thus formed the basis for granting leave to Mr.Sugathan, who was arrested under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and is currently lodged at the high-security correctional facility at Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur in Kerala.

Having missed two council meetings already, he stood a chance to be disqualified if he missed one more meeting. Preventing Mr.Sugathan’s disqualification was crucial for the BJP due to its precarious numbers in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has already approached the Corporation Secretary asking him to request the State government to cancel the decision to grant leave. It has cited the Section 91(k) of the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994, as per which if any elected councillor is absent from three consecutive council/standing committee meetings without the permission of the council, he or she should be disqualified from continuing as a councillor.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has also demanded the cancellation of leave and the disqualification of the councillor, calling the council decision illegal. Both fronts are likely to pursue legal measures.