LDF keeps options open as BJP councillor Sreelekha resigns in Thiruvananthapuram

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) and its main ally, the CPI(M), are closely watching developments in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation after BJP councillor R Sreelekha submitted her resignation to the Mayor. Left leaders said they would take an appropriate stand if the situation leads to a governance crisis in the civic body.While Left leaders did not directly speak of a change in the administration, they indicated they would respond if the situation worsens.

The LDF lost power in the Corporation last year after ruling it for 45 years.If Sreelekha stands by her decision, the BJP's strength in the 101-member council will fall to 49. The BJP currently has the support of 51 councillors, including an Independent, while the LDF has 29 councillors and the UDF has 20. Sreelekha, a former DGP who represents the Sasthamangalam ward, handed her resignation letter to Mayor VV Rajesh.

However, she did not submit it to the Corporation Secretary, who is the authorised officer to receive it under the prescribed procedure.Speaking to reporters in Palakkad, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan said the issue should be seen as an internal matter of the BJP. "As far as we are concerned, there is no other issue. We can think about it only when that time comes," he said.Asked whether the developments could lead to a governance crisis in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Govindan said such a situation could naturally arise.

Asked whether the CPI(M) would use the situation, he said, "Well, if you ask whether the CPI(M) will utilise it, how can we not? Do we have any obligation that the BJP must continue running the Corporation when a governance crisis arises? We will take the right stance." Responding to a question on reports that the BJP was trying to bring former IAS and IPS officers into the party by offering inducements, Govindan said some people who joined after receiving such benefits were now taking stands that showed a lack of political conviction."

They are people who fall for offers. The fact that not all of them will continue politically is what we are seeing now," he said.In June this year, the UDF had moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led Corporation administration, but it was dropped after the LDF refused to support it.LDF convenor and senior CPI(M) leader TP Ramakrishnan said the BJP could not continue in power in the Corporation, and claimed that developments within the party itself showed it was facing problems in carrying on the administration.

He said Sreelekha had taken a firm political stand and that her readiness to resign reflected unrest within the BJP." We believe this will certainly influence the political dynamics in Keralam," he said.At the same time, Ramakrishnan said it was too early to comment on the possibility of a change in the administration and that the matter would have to be decided in Thiruvananthapuram. He said the LDF and CPI(M) in the city would examine the circumstances and decide how to respond."

The LDF and CPI(M) in Thiruvananthapuram will take a clear stance on how to address this situation and move forward. They have all the capability to decide on it. They possess the political willpower. They will adopt a stance accordingly," he said.He also said the CPI(M) would examine the facts and take an appropriate position without exaggerating the issue.For now, the Left has described the resignation move as a BJP internal matter, but its leaders have also made it clear that they will act if the developments in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation turn into a governance crisis.- Ends