Thiruvananthapuram, July 31 -- The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council on Friday approved a six-month leave application submitted by BJP councillor R. Sugathan of Vazhottukonam, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with proceedings under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
The decision was taken amid strong protests from LDF and UDF councillors, who entered the well of the council hall and raised slogans opposing the move. The leave application secured 51 votes, including the casting vote of Mayor V. V. Rajesh and the vote of Poundkadavu ward independent councillor Sudheesh Kumar, the Mayor announced.
The approval is politically significant as the BJP has 50 members in the 101-member council, again...