Opposition to intensify protest against ruling BJP in Thiruavananthapuram Corporation

LDF protest march demanding removal of BJP councilor R. Sugathan in Thiruvananthapuram on June 15, 2026. | Photo credit: Nirmal Harindran

The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation are set to intensify their protests against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a number of issues, including a demand for the removal of BJP councilor R. Sugathan, who has not attended recent council meetings and faces the prospect of disqualification.

Mr. Sugathan was arrested under the KAAPA (Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act) and is currently lodged in the maximum security correctional facility at Viyyur Central Jail in Thrissur.

LDF Parliamentary Party leader SP Deepak said the re-swearing of 19 councilors on Wednesday also remained suspect after the Kerala High Court ordered 20 councilors including Mr Sugathan to take oath again for violating rules as the ceremony was held in secret.

“I have sent a complaint to the Chief Secretary who was supposed to oversee the meeting as per the court order. Wednesday’s swearing-in was not conducted as per norms. As far as Mr Sugathan is concerned, we still do not know the exact number of council meetings he attended as the minutes and records are with the administration. The mayor is now claiming that he missed only one meeting which is not true,” said Mr Deepak. He said the LDF would continue its protests outside the corporation in the upcoming council meeting as well.

Motion of no confidence

A meeting of the UDF parliamentary party on Friday decided to pass a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led administration over its failure to address issues such as waste management, stray dogs and shortage of drinking water. The UDF will also stage a protest on Monday (June 29) at the corporation office, Congress councilor KS Sabarinadhan said.

Mayor VV Rajesh said in a press conference on Friday that the council meeting will be convened on June 29 as decided earlier. He said the BJP is ready to face the no-confidence motion that the opposition plans to move in the meeting. “We will continue safely for the next five years as well as till 2047, the year Narendra Modi predicts India will turn into the world’s largest economic power,” he said.

Mr. Rajesh said the corporation will demand a forensic audit of the quality of work and tenders for various initiatives under the Smart City projects, including the Palayam Market rehabilitation complex, shops near the museum and tenders for electric buses.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 20:49 IST