Thiruvananthapuram: As the administration of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation changes hands after four decades, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is likely to face pressure from further probes into corruption allegations and issues related to temporary appointments. CPM leaders themselves had openly stated in party meetings that corruption by the previous council was a major reason for the Corporation’s failure.

With the BJP coming to power in the Corporation, it is certain that allegations raised in different phases will be dusted off again. The Crime Branch probe into the incident where the former Mayor allegedly wrote a letter to the CPM district secretary seeking appointments in the Corporation’s health wing remains stalled. There were allegations that key evidence, including the computer used to prepare the letter, was destroyed.

It was also alleged that the investigation did not move forward because the Left was in power in the state. BJP councillors had staged protests for several days at the Corporation headquarters over this issue.

From Scheduled Caste fund embezzlement to fake permits

The BJP has repeatedly alleged that investigations into various cases—including embezzlement of Scheduled Caste funds, fabrication of fake permits, and siphoning off subsidy amounts meant for self-employment schemes—were deliberately sabotaged.

There were complaints that a DYFI leader from the city was involved in the Scheduled Caste fund scam. It was found that fake permits were created within the Corporation office using officials’ login IDs. When the probe reached certain temporary employees and service organisation leaders, the investigation reportedly came to a halt.

Massive frauds were allegedly committed over several years in a scheme under the Industries Department that provided subsidies for self-employment loans. Investigations into these scams, which involved submitting fake caste certificates and other forged documents, have also failed to progress.

During the election campaign, the BJP had raised corruption allegations over the purchase of kitchen bins for household waste management and granting permission to a private company to install poles for fibre internet connections.

The BJP says it will attempt to collect evidence in many of these cases now that it is in power. If the evidence is made public, investigative agencies will be forced to take action.

After the election results were declared, the BJP alleged that attempts were made to destroy or remove files from the Corporation. However, the party has decided to focus on collecting digital evidence, including records of online money transfers.

Over a thousand temporary appointments

The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has around 3,000 employees. Of these, about 850 are permanent staff appointed through the Public Service Commission (PSC). In addition, around 900 sanitation workers are in permanent service. The rest are temporary employees.

Temporary appointments have been made for office work as well as cleaning duties. Those working under various projects such as PMAY, AMRUT, and drinking water supply schemes also fall into this category. Relatives of Left leaders, whose contracts have been renewed for years under the designation of “data entry operators,” are also among them. Many of these posts are reportedly unnecessary.

The BJP leadership has collected data on temporary employees. The new council is likely to try to retain the poor and those without strong political affiliations, while there is a possibility that contracts of political appointments will not be renewed.