BJP ruled corporation fining BJP for installing flex boards and flags during Modi's visit; normal procedure, says Mayor VV Rajesh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mayor VV Rajesh told the media that the corporation's fine on the flex boards set up by the BJP in connection with the Prime Minister's visit should not be made controversial. The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh for illegally installing flex boards and flags. He also clarified that the corporation is obliged to inform the High Court about the legal proceedings.

The Mayor added that the corporation had issued such notices when he was the district president and that such actions were natural. The corporation imposed the fine for violating the directive to remove the flex boards.

Ridicule in protocol controversy

Rajesh also responded to the criticism made by Minister V Sivankutty about the Mayor not going to the airport to receive the Prime Minister. Rajesh said that he was enjoying what Sivankutty was saying and that he had no specific response. "If I had gone to the airport, my vehicle would have been left behind 40 other vehicles. Once the Prime Minister entered the dais, no one else would be allowed to pass as per protocol. V Sivankutty does not need to say anything about protocol, and Kerala has seen the protocol he followed in the assembly," Rajesh quipped.

Minister V Sivankutty replied in a press conference that he had worn the Mayor's clothes for five years and that he was not ignorant about protocol.

Flex boards have not been removed

It has been two days since the Prime Minister's visit, but the flex boards installed encroaching on the sidewalks of the city have not been removed yet. Currently, there are flex boards in Pettah, Medical College and Palayam areas. The police had registered a case for not removing them. The corporation secretary had also asked the BJP district president to remove all these within two hours and imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh.