Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7 (NationPress) The lengthy and politically heated contention surrounding the MLA’s office at Sasthamangalam in Thiruvananthapuram has ultimately come to an end, as CPI(M) MLA V.K. Prasanth has opted to vacate the location and relocate his office to Maruthamkuzhi.

This decision follows weeks of public exchanges between Prasanth and BJP leader, former DGP and Ward Councillor R. Sreelekha, turning the issue into a broader political discourse within Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

The contention was focused on a Corporation-owned structure at Sasthamangalam Junction, which housed both the councillor’s office and Prasanth’s MLA office.

The dispute ignited when Sreelekha requested Prasanth to vacate the MLA office, citing significant space constraints in her office.

Initially, Prasanth stood firm, claiming that the Corporation had formally leased the space to him until March, describing the demand as political overreach.

As the conflict escalated, it took on dramatic tones. Sreelekha placed a nameplate with her name above the MLA office sign, leading to accusations that she was trying to present herself as superior to the MLA.

Shortly after, documents obtained via the Right to Information Act revealed the nominal office rent of just Rs 872, which the BJP used to question Prasanth’s “clean image.” The Congress party also joined the fray, leveraging the local dispute into a political embarrassment for the ruling Left.

“Some vested interests capitalized on this situation, and to resolve it, we have found a new location and will be relocating,” Prasanth stated.

Under increasing pressure, Sreelekha later moderated her position, claiming she had merely made a cordial request and that there was no personal conflict between them.

Nonetheless, she continued to post on social media, including videos showcasing the cramped conditions of her office and maintaining that she would keep working from the limited space until the MLA departed.

As Assembly elections loom and concerns grew that the controversy could reflect poorly at the polls, the CPI(M) leadership reportedly intervened, recommending Prasanth to move out.

In a conciliatory manner, Prasanth expressed that constituents had elected representatives for development, not disputes, announcing the identification of a more suitable office at Maruthamkuzhi that would better accommodate the numerous visitors he receives daily.

Political analysts view this incident as a prelude to the larger confrontations ahead in Vattiyoorkavu, where both Prasanth and Sreelekha are being considered as potential candidates.

For now, however, the fuss surrounding an office has concluded with a smooth exit and a tactical compromise.