Sugathan gets six-month leave; relief for BJP in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP Vazhottukonam councillor R. Sugathan, who is under preventive detention under the KAAPA Act, has averted disqualification after the Corporation Council approved his request for six months' leave. With the approval, Sugathan can remain absent from council meetings for the next six months. The decision has also eased concerns over a possible crisis for the ruling council.

The ruling side secured the required majority after independent councillor Sudheesh of Poundkadavu ward extended his support. Sugathan's leave application was approved with the backing of 51 councillors. Another independent councillor, K. Radhakrishnan, had already been supporting the BJP.

The absence of CPM councillor and Parliamentary Party Secretary K. Sreekumar from the meeting came as a surprise to the Left. Even without Sudheesh's support, the leave application would have been approved due to Sreekumar's absence. Sreekumar is also a former Mayor.

Home Department letter proves crucial

Mayor V.V. Rajesh presented Sugathan's leave application before the council by citing a letter issued by the Home Department. The letter explained how Sugathan could avoid disqualification.

The letter, signed by Under Secretary Namitha on behalf of the Additional Chief Secretary, stated that Sugathan could submit a leave application through the Jail Superintendent. It further stated that if the council approved the leave application through a vote, Sugathan would retain his position as councillor.

Probe ordered into the letter

As the issue turned into a political embarrassment for the Congress, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala ordered an inquiry into the circumstances under which the letter was issued.

The investigation will examine how the reply was issued without informing either the Home Secretary or the Home Minister. Additional Chief Secretary Mihaj Alam has been assigned to conduct the inquiry.