LDF hits out at Mayor, says theatre row is a smokescreen

The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has accused Mayor V.V. Rajesh of orchestrating a campaign against theatre overpricing to deflect attention from alleged irregularities in the 'Mayor Care' initiative.

In a statement on Wednesday, LDF Parliamentary Party leader S.P. Deepak alleged that the Mayor collected gifts worth lakhs of rupees from major commercial establishments under the scheme. These gifts, he said, were distributed to Corporation employees and councillors, who are public servants. Deepak questioned the propriety of accepting such large-scale assistance from private traders, noting that such contributions are typically accepted only during natural disasters or emergencies.

Deepak also claimed that a large catering unit in the city sponsored the Corporation's Onasadya for 4,000 people, a departure from earlier practice when councillors and employees pooled funds for the event. He called for a thorough government and vigilance investigation into the matter.

Taking aim at the Mayor's focus on popcorn prices, Deepak expressed surprise that Rajesh is not concerned about fuel prices, NEET irregularities, or racial and communal hate attacks, but is worried about theatre pricing. He suggested the campaign gives the impression that all other pressing problems have been resolved.

The LDF leader said the theatre issue is being raised to divert public attention from serious civic problems, including drinking water shortage, garbage issues, stray dog menace, and traffic congestion. He also noted that only a few theatre owners attended the Mayor's meeting on Wednesday, with most participants being Corporation officials.