CM denies news of calling V V Rajesh to congratulate, factually incorrect and misleading

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan denied the news of calling V V Rajesh, BJP leader and mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, to congratulate him. Rajesh had called the personal assistant of the chief minister to talk to him. As he was not besides the chief minister, he informed to connect him later. He later connected the chief minister, said the office of the chief minister in a release.

Rajesh told the chief minister that he was to be elected as mayor and would meet him in person. The chief minister then said, alright, congratulations. However, it was circulated that the chief minister called Rajesh to congratulate him. This is factually incorrect and misleading.

Rajesh became the mayor by securing 51 votes in the mayoral election held today. V V Rajesh received 50 votes from the BJP and the vote of Kannammoola councilor and independent M Radhakrishnan. Rajesh, who won from Kodunganoor ward, was chosen by the party for the post of mayor after long discussions. Former DGP R Sreelekha's name was also under consideration. However, Rajesh was recommended for the post of mayor based on his political experience. Asha Nath is BJP's deputy mayor.