Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — State minister V. Sivankutty on Tuesday urged the Kerala government to intervene and restore regular functioning of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, which he said has been stalled by political interference.
Sivankutty alleged that the corporation’s current leadership, which he described as “NDA‑led,” is deliberately shielding ward councillor R. Sugathan of Vazhottukonam. Sugathan is currently in judicial remand after being arrested under the Kerala Anti‑Social Activities Prevention Act (KASAPA).
According to the minister, the effort to protect Sugathan has led to a breakdown in day‑to‑day operations, including delays in approvals, stalled public works, and a failure to conduct routine council meetings. “The corporation is paralysed because its officers are being forced to act in a manner that contravenes the rule of law,” Sivankutty said.
He appealed to the state’s Home Department and the Chief Minister’s Office to take “decisive action” to ensure that the corporation’s administrative machinery can function without political pressure. Sivankutty also demanded that any attempts to influence the legal process concerning Sugathan be halted, emphasizing the need for “transparent and impartial governance.”
Local officials have not publicly responded to the minister’s statements. The corporation’s senior officer, the Municipal Commissioner, declined to comment on the alleged paralysis.
R. Sugathan’s arrest under KASAPA, a law aimed at curbing extremist activities, has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the legislation is being used to target political opponents. The case is currently before the Kerala High Court, which has ordered Sugathan’s continued judicial custody pending further investigation.
The Kerala government has not issued an official statement regarding Sivankutty’s call for intervention.
Analysis:
Sivankutty’s demand places the state administration in a delicate position, balancing the enforcement of KASAPA against accusations of politicising the law. If the government steps in, it could be seen as upholding institutional independence, but it also risks being perceived as yielding to opposition pressure. Conversely, inaction may deepen the stalemate within the corporation, potentially affecting service delivery to residents of the capital. Observers note that the episode underscores broader tensions in Kerala’s local governance, where rival political coalitions often clash over control of municipal bodies.
Sources
– “V. Sivankutty urges Kerala government to resolve administrative paralysis at Thiruvananthapuram Corporation,” The Hindu, 5 April 2026, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/v-sivankutty-urges-kerala-government-to-resolve-administrative-paralysis-at-thiruvananthapuram-corporation/article71185505.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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