Thiruvananthapuram, July 31 -- Amid uproar and protests by the Opposition UDF and LDF, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council on Friday approved a six-month leave for jailed BJP councillor R Sugathan, with the BJP citing a Home Department circular issued by the UDF government to defend the move.

Sugathan, the BJP councillor from Vazhottukonam, is currently lodged in Viyyur Central Prison in Thrissur after being detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).

His leave application, submitted through the prison superintendent, was passed by the 101-member council with 51 votes, including the support of Independent councillor Sudheesh Kumar of Poundkadavu ward and Mayor VV Rajesh's casting vote.

Mayor Rajesh...