Archive · 31 Jul 2026
BJP Councillor Granted Leave Amid Jail, Sparks Protest
A council in Thiruvananthapuram decided to let a BJP councillor named R Sugathan take a six‑month break even though he is in jail.
The mayor used his special vote to approve the leave.
Some other parties in the council shouted and said the decision was unfair and illegal.
The mayor said the leave was allowed by a state rule and a letter from the Home Department.
The Home Minister said he had not seen the letter and asked officials to check it.
Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation council approved a six‑month leave for BJP councillor R Sugathan, who is in jail under the Kerala Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act.
The decision was passed with 51 votes, including BJP members and independent Sudheesh, and was decided by Mayor V V Rajesh’s casting vote.
Opposition UDF and LDF members staged protests inside the council hall, calling the move illegal and undemocratic.
The mayor cited a Home Department circular and the Kerala Municipality Act as the legal basis for the leave.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said he had not seen any file on the circular and directed officials to investigate.
- Who
- BJP councillor R Sugathan, Mayor V V Rajesh, opposition UDF and LDF members
- What
- Approval of a six‑month leave for Sugathan while he is in jail
- When
- July 31, 2025
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation council meeting
- Why
- To allow the jailed councillor to retain his seat under the Kerala Municipality Act
- Council
- Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation
- Leave Duration
- Six months
- Act
- Kerala Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act
- Mayor
- V V Rajesh
- Opposition Parties
- UDF, LDF
