BJP steps up demand for Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CPI(M) councillor’s resignation over bribery allegations

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its demands for the resignation of Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] councillor Ajin S., representing the Thrikannapuram ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, who has been facing allegations of demanding bribes from a landowner. A purported video of him demanding ₹10 lakh from Sanju, a native of Thirumala, to resolve issues concerning a plot he purchased in the ward, had begun circulating two days ago.

Mr. Sanju alleged that Mr. Ajin approached him, claiming that there were liability and encroachment issues concerning the land. He later filed complaints with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner. However, Mr. Ajin denied the allegations and said the footage being circulated was fabricated and edited. He said that the fabricated video was being spread to discredit him as he had taken a stand against attempts to commercially exploit government land.