Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 (NationPress) Just days after taking office as Kerala's inaugural BJP Mayor, V.V. Rajesh has taken a firm stance, fiercely criticizing the prolonged CPI(M)-led Left governance in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation while alleging significant corruption within civic administration.

In his initial major action, Rajesh raised concerns about the perceived “misappropriation” of electric buses designated for the city, indicating a decisive break from previous practices. On Tuesday, he insisted on the immediate withdrawal of all e-buses operating outside the city limits, mandating they be restricted solely to routes within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Rajesh highlighted that these buses were being utilized in other regions due to political pressure, deviating from the intention of their original allocation. “The e-buses were allocated to the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and should serve the city’s residents. Those dispatched outside must be returned immediately,” he stated.

Additionally, Rajesh stressed that the Corporation should receive its rightful share of revenue generated from these services. He made it clear that the agreement with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would undergo close examination and that no individual or small group has the right to modify contractual terms.

“What the Corporation has acquired should be utilized for the benefit of individuals within its jurisdiction,” he asserted, emphasizing that the buses were provided by the Centre specifically for the capital city.

Rajesh's assertive approach coincides with escalating political tensions between the BJP and CPI(M) within the Corporation. Conflicts intensified after former DGP and BJP councillor R. Sreelekha called for former Mayor and current CPI(M) MLA V.K. Prasanth to vacate an office he continues to occupy in a Corporation-owned facility.

This matter has contributed to the heated exchanges between the two parties following the recent mayoral transition.

Apart from the transportation issue, Rajesh has announced the initiation of a thorough investigation into alleged widespread irregularities in the leasing of Corporation properties and commercial spaces. Initial findings suggest that numerous shops and buildings have been unofficially transferred to third parties for substantial sums, with original allottees no longer in residence.

Rajesh has instructed the Corporation Secretary to compile all pertinent documents associated with such leases, indicating that further action is on the horizon.