‘All three candidates are fit,’ Thrissur mayor corrects statement after sparking controversy 

THRISSUR: Thrissur Mayor M K Varghese corrected his statement praising Suresh Gopi after it sparked a controversy. Varghese said Suresh Gopi, the BJP candidate of Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, is fit to become MP. He gave the full amount announced for the corporation. He said that Suresh Gopi is a person who stands with the people.

After his statement sparked a controversy, Varghese clarified that all the three candidates are fit. Varghese, who resigned from the Congress, became the mayor of the corporation with the support of the CPM. When both fronts fell short of a majority, the LDF took over the administration making Varghese, a dissident, as mayor. When the CPM leadership later asked him to resign, he was not willing to tender his resignation.

The CPM made him the mayor of the corporation. Varghese became mayor by one vote. The CPM hoped that they would be able to ask him to step down after completing two and a half years. This was hinted earlier. When that time got over, asked him to resign and stand with the front. However, he rejected it. He also clarified that if he steps down, he would not support the LDF.

In the 55-member council, the LDF has the support of 25 including Varghese. 24 are supporting the UDF. Six are BJP members. If one withdraws support, the LDF will lose power.