Driver’s suspension sparks heated exchange at Kochi Corporation Council

LDF and UDF councilors are protesting as a debate over the driver’s suspension flared up in the Kochi Corporation Council on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A discussion on the suspension of a driver for allegedly misbehaving with a woman employee led to a heated exchange between the ruling UDF and the opposition LDF at the Kochi Corporation Council meeting on Thursday.

LDF councilors took exception to what they described as arbitrary action against the driver without first verifying the veracity of the complaint. However, the ruling councilors strongly defended the action, with Mayor VK Minimol insisting that it was in accordance with the provisions of the Kerala Municipal Act. BJP councilor Priya Prasanth also raised doubts about the suspension and urged the mayor to return the driver as soon as possible after the investigation is completed on humanitarian grounds.

LDF councilor Ambika Sudarsan called it a unilateral action, while her party colleague Elizabeth sought to know if there was an Internal Grievance Committee in the corporation and why the matter was not brought before it.

UDF councilor MG Aristoteles countered and argued that the corporation secretary’s decision to suspend the driver was in accordance with the service rules. This sparked a backlash from the opposition, who accused Mr Aristotle of speaking on behalf of the mayor. At this point, Social Security Standing Committee Chairman Antony Painuthara jumped to Ms Minimol’s defence, saying the mayor, a lawyer by profession and a four-time councillor, did not need anyone to speak for her.

The discussion became more chaotic when Ms. Sudarsan alleged that the corporate secretary’s personal interests were behind the crackdown. This prompted a vociferous protest from ruling councillors, with Henry Austin reminding the opposition LDF that it was in no position to claim the moral high ground after the LDF extended allegations against Mr Aristotle, accusing him of stealing official files related to Brahmapuram during the LDF regime.

The discussion took a turn for the worse when, during a heated exchange with Ms Sudarsan, Mr Austin asked her to shut up. This prompted the entire opposition to protest the remark. Amidst the noise, the mayor noted that no unparliamentary language had been used and reminded councilors to maintain mutual respect.

She concluded the discussion by announcing that the driver would be served with a message to hear his side of the story and that steps would be taken to ensure the matter did not form part of his service record.

Published – 8 Oct 2026 21:29 IST