THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the resignation of P. Harikumar from the post of Town Planning Standing Committee Chairman, talks are abuzz in the City Corporation about the new nominee. RSP’s only representative in the Council, Manacaud councillor Shobitha, is expected to become the next Chairperson.
Harikumar, who belongs to Janata Dal (S) and is the councillor from Jagathy ward, had resigned on Tuesday following the Janata Dal (S) state committee’s decision to join the UDF. The other two members of Janata Dal (S) in the Council are Ajin S. Lin (Thrikanapuram councillor) and Vanchiyoor Surendran (Vanchiyoor).
As per a pre-election consensus reached between the allied parties in the ruling Council, it was decided that the Town Planning Committee Chairmanship would be handled for the first two years by Kerala Congress (J), the next two years by Janata Dal (S) and the remaining term by RSP.
If LDF abides by the consensus, then RSP is all set to take over the Chairmanship, which even otherwise would have reached them by November when Harikumar’s term would have ended.
However, as the Committee is one which has been rocked by controversies following allegations of corruption and shady dealings in the department by outside agents, rumours are rife that CPM might keep the seat for themselves.
Meanwhile, CPI, Janata Dal and RSP in the Council have no doubts whatsoever to the claim of RSP to the post. They said that the CPM district committee will meet next week and suggest Shobitha’s name to the post. Following which, the Mayor will call the concerned councillors to his chamber and hold an election procedure officially.
trivandrum@epmltd.com