'Will oversee activities in Sugathan's ward'; no disruption to development works, says Mayor

THRISSUR: Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V.V. Rajesh said he will oversee the affairs of BJP councillor R. Sugathan's ward during the councillor's absence. Sugathan represents the Vazhottukonam ward in the Corporation. Rajesh made the statement after Sugathan, who is under preventive detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), took the oath of office inside Viyyur Central Jail on Tuesday morning.

"The High Court order was implemented on time. The matter of Sugathan attending Corporation council meetings is currently under the consideration of the court. His legal team will handle the issue. The Corporation's responsibility is to implement the orders issued by the court," the Mayor said.

He added that legal advice has been sought on Sugathan's leave application as a councillor.

"The KAAPA Act exists only in Kerala, which is why such incidents happen here. Everyone has cases related to political protests. We know there will be strong opposition from the CPM, but we will not back down even an inch," Rajesh said.

The Mayor said arrangements are in place to manage situations arising from the councillor's absence. "The Mayor will oversee the activities in Sugathan's ward. There will be no disruption to development works or other activities in the ward," he said.

Sugathan took the oath at around 11 am at a special stage arranged in the prison library hall at Viyyur Central Jail. Mayor V.V. Rajesh administered the oath, which Sugathan took in the name of God. This was the first time in Kerala's history that an elected representative took the oath of office while in jail.

Only three chairs were placed on the stage for the Mayor, Corporation Secretary, and Jail Superintendent. The ceremony lasted only a few minutes, and media personnel were allowed to attend.