Communist Party of India (CPI) state executive committee member VS Sunil Kumar on Friday said the Congress leadership in Thrissur had exposed corruption as its primary agenda even before it formally assumed power in the Corporation.
He launched a protest organized by the CPI Thrissur Mandalam committee, demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the revelations made by Congress councilor Lala James regarding the alleged bribery deal for the mayor’s post.
Mr. Sunil Kumar said it was a “vivid example” of institutional corruption that a Congresswoman herself had come forward with allegations that the District Congress Committee (DCC) president had demanded a bribe in exchange for the post of mayor.
According to him, the Congress leadership has little interest in the development or progress of Thrissur. “Their focus is on the corrupt money that can be amassed by gaining control of the corporation. What has now emerged is only part of the preparatory work,” he said. He also pointed out that Ms James said she would reveal more details if action was taken against her, suggesting that the revelations so far may only be the tip of the iceberg.
It requires action
In this regard, Mr. Sunil Kumar demanded a Vigilance probe into Ms. James’ allegations and insisted that strict action be taken against those found guilty if the allegations are proved.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) district secretary KV Abdul Khader echoed the allegations, saying Ms James’s statement that DCC president Joseph Tajet had personally summoned her and demanded money exposed the Congress’s “crooked face”. He noted that the allegations come from a councilor who was elected in recent polls, underscoring the seriousness of the problem.
“This revelation shows how deep the moral degeneration of the Congress has become. It also indicates how terrifying the extent of corruption in the Thrissur Corporation can be,” he said, adding that the councilor claimed that the mayor’s post was allotted after displaying a ‘treasury’ in front of party officials.
Mr Khader said the disclosures revealed only one aspect of what was going on in Congress and warned that the looming corruption could be much more serious. He also questioned the silence of Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan and KPCC leadership. “The Leader of the Opposition is known for reacting to everything under the sun. Why is there total silence in Thrissur on such serious allegations of corruption?” he asked, demanding a clear public answer.
Published – 26 Dec 2025 20:53 IST
