The LDF accuses Mayor VVRajesh of overcharging the theater to divert attention from other issues
The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has accused Mayor VVRajesh of running a theater overcharging campaign to cover up allegations of corruption under the ‘Mayor’s Mayor’ initiative, in which Onam kits were distributed to corporation employees after collecting donations and donations from commercial establishments. LDF parliamentary party leader SPDeepak said in a statement on Wednesday that the mayor indulged in abuse of power by collecting donations worth millions from big commercial establishments in the city and distributing gifts to employees earning millions and councilors who are civil servants.
Mr. Deepak said it was surprising that a mayor who was not worried about the country’s fuel price, irregularities in the NEET exam and racial and communal hate attacks, was worried about the price of popcorn. “Normally when there is a natural disaster or an emergency, the government or local government institutions will accept such help from the general public. The government should thoroughly investigate the massive corruption that has taken place in accepting huge sums of money from private businessmen in the name of handing out gifts to staff and councillors. From the current mayoral campaign, it would appear that all other pressing issues have been resolved,” Mr Deepak said. He claimed that a large catering unit in the city sponsored the Onasadya Corporation for 4,000 people, unlike in the past when councilors and employees pooled money to run the Sadya. The government and vigilance should investigate what illegal help the governing body has given them. The theme of the theater is raised to distract people when they are facing serious problems like drinking water shortage, garbage problems, stray dog problems and traffic jams. Only a few theater owners attended the meeting called by the mayor on Wednesday. Most of the participants were corporation officials, claimed Mr. Deepak.
Published – 9 Sep 2026 21:39 IST