THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A political row has erupted in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation over the distribution of Onam kits and festive attire to councillors, employees and journalists under the ‘Mayor Care’ initiative, with the LDF alleging abuse of power and demanding a government probe.
Mayor V V Rajesh’s office said around 4,000 employees and all councillors, irrespective of political affiliation, were given Onam kits and attire as part of the ‘Orumichoronam’ celebrations. Application writers operating around the corporation office and journalists covering the civic body were also included.
The corporation said the initiative was the first of its kind in its history and that not a rupee from its own or plan funds was spent on the celebrations. The materials were provided with the support of well-wishers from different parts of the world under ‘Mayor Care’, said a press release.
However, LDF parliamentary party leader S P Deepak alleged that the mayor had accepted gifts and donations from commercial establishments, including major apartment complexes, malls and textile businesses, and distributed them to public servants.
Deepak demanded that the mayor disclose the names of donors, details and value of the materials received, their utilisation and the beneficiaries. He also sought an inquiry into whether the establishments that provided the gifts had received any undue benefits from the corporation.
“Accepting gifts from private establishments can create a situation where the official decisions of public servants are influenced. This compromises transparency and public trust,” alleged Deepak.
He also raised questions over the distribution of educational kits under ‘Mayor Care’. Though assistance for 5,000 children had reportedly been announced, fewer than 250 students had received the kits, he said, seeking details of the number and value of kits received and the utilisation of the remaining stock.
Deepak further alleged that a major catering establishment had provided the food for the corporation employees’ Onam celebration free of cost.
He said it was contradictory for the corporation, which takes action against illegal constructions and street vendors, to accept free services and gifts from major commercial establishments. He demanded a comprehensive probe into all financial and commercial transactions under ‘Mayor Care’.
The mayor’s office maintained that the ‘Orumichoronam’ programme was aimed at bringing councillors and employees together across political lines and fostering a collective approach towards the city’s development.
Responding to the controversy, the mayor said, “The CPM is questioning the ‘Mayor Care’ initiative because they are uncomfortable seeing something they could have done for years actually being done now. We have not taken a single rupee from anyone or asked anyone for financial assistance. Whatever was voluntarily given as sponsorship has been used for the benefit of employees, workers, councillors and the public.”
“Unlike the practice of CPM leaders allegedly taking such benefits home, we have ensured that whatever support we received reached the people. Let the Opposition examine every transaction; if anyone has violated the law, I will take action immediately. We have nothing to hide and are ready for complete scrutiny,” Rajesh added.
