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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (IANS) Sharp political rhetoric has begun ahead of the local body elections in Kerala, with CPI(M) state secretariat member MV Jayarajan criticizing senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala for what he termed a “very immature” comment aimed at outgoing Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran.
Chennithala, while addressing a campaign event, had mocked reports that Arya was shifting her residence to Kozhikode, saying it was “good” that she was leaving and that “the party may get at least two additional votes” due to it.
His remarks immediately drew a sharp reaction from the CPI(M), which accused the Congress of resorting to personal attacks instead of political criticism.
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the current local body election cycle.
The opposition has based a significant part of its campaign around Arya Rajendran’s tenure, alleging misgovernance and administrative lapses.
Arya, who held the position as the youngest mayor in the country, has faced sustained criticism from the UDF on issues ranging from waste management to civic planning.
With reports emerging that she was being transferred to Kozhikode, the matter became involved in a political plot – leading to Chennithala’s controversial remarks and the subsequent counter-attack from the CPI(M).
Responding through a strongly worded Facebook post, Jayarajan defended Arya and condemned the Congress leader’s comments.
He wrote, “It must be said that Ramesh Chennithala’s comment was extremely immature. Arya Rajendran is India’s youngest mayor – that historic achievement cannot be taken away.”
Jayarajan said Arya is stepping down after receiving recognition, including awards, for his performance as mayor.
He criticized Chennithala for insulting a young woman who, he said, had demonstrated leadership in a challenging city administration role.
Jayarajan said, “From a senior leader, we expected a message encouraging a young public figure to be more actively involved in public life. Instead, his remarks revealed the face of a Congress leader who is afraid of Arya Rajendran’s political appeal in Thiruvananthapuram.”
The exchange has further heated up the campaign in the capital, with both political fronts using the controversy to rally their supporters as voting approaches.
–IANS
SG/SKP