'Gave seat to person who does not even have party membership'; Kochi Deputy Mayor quits party

KOCHI: Kochi’s Deputy Mayor has quit her party, expressing dissatisfaction with the selection of candidates for the local body elections. Deputy Mayor K. A. Ansiya resigned from the CPI. Ansiya is the CPI councillor from Mattancherry’s 5th division. She resigned alleging that the party had given the seat to an undeserving person.

Speaking at a press conference, Ansiya said that even after resigning, she will continue to support the Left Front. “I have always supported the Mayor in all our work. I was elected from the Muslim League's fort. There have been many issues, and I have informed the party about them. But the party did not always support me. This time, the CPI seat is in the 6th division. I had already said I would not contest. I had suggested the names of two women who have been working well in the women’s wing. But in the end, the party chose someone who is not deserving. The movement has become centred around individuals. The current candidate does not even have party membership,” Ansiya said.