Daijiworld Media Network - Thrissur

Thrissur, Dec 26: A cash-for-mayorship allegation has rocked the Congress in Kerala, dealing an embarrassment to the party just days after it emerged strong in the recent local body elections, winning a majority of seats across the three-tier system under the UDF banner.

The controversy surfaced ahead of Friday’s voting for the posts of president, chairperson and mayor in local bodies, after Laly James, a four-time councillor of the Thrissur Corporation, accused fellow councillor Dr Niji Justin of allegedly securing the mayoral post by paying money to senior party leaders.

On Thursday, the Thrissur district Congress leadership had selected Dr Niji, a gynaecologist-turned-politician and vice-president of the District Congress Committee (DCC), as the party’s candidate for mayor. The Congress reclaimed the Thrissur Corporation from the LDF after a gap of nearly a decade.

Speaking to the media, Laly James made strong allegations, claiming money played a decisive role in the selection. “The party wants money. I think the party has gone after money. I have no money, only hard work. Her family is rich. I come from a farming family,” she alleged. She further claimed that leaders were “running with money bags” and said people were questioning whether the mayor’s post could be obtained by paying money.

Despite her accusations, Laly said she would vote in favour of the party nominee. “I will vote for Niji, not for her, but for the Congress. If the party takes disciplinary action against me, I will teach the leaders what discipline is. I have many things to reveal about the party. I have worked for the Congress at the grassroots,” she said.

Responding to the allegations, Thrissur DCC president Joseph Tajet said the decision was taken after consultations with councillors and party leadership. “She has contested four times. Has she ever given money to get a party ticket? She says she is poor, and that itself shows the party gives opportunities to the poor. The party will examine why she made such statements. The decision was taken as per procedure,” he said.

Dr Niji Justin, who has been chosen as mayor, denied the allegations and said the matter should be addressed by the party leadership. “I have been with the Congress since 1999. I have worked in the Youth Congress at the district and state levels and have also been involved in social work,” she said.

Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress legislator V D Satheesan also reacted to the controversy, stating that no senior leader should interfere in mayoral elections. “There is a clear procedure which is binding on all local bodies. More than one person can aspire for the mayor’s post. If there are complaints, the KPCC will examine them,” he said.