Kochi Corporation office witnesses unruly scenes over Brahmapuram incident
The Hindu
Opposition councillors accuse the Mayor of not agreeing to their demand for an emergency council meeting in the wake of the fire at the waste treatment plant and the continuing suspension of waste collection
The row over the alleged inept handling of the fire at the Brahmapuram plant took a sharp political turn leading to unruly scenes as Youth Congress activists and the Opposition UDF councillors took the protest to the Corporation office on Wednesday evening.
It started with a protest march to the Corporation office by Youth Congress activists who entered the Mayor’s chamber demanding to discuss with him the handling of the fire. However, the Mayor was not in the chamber, and the activists were arrested and removed from the scene.
Following this, the protest was taken over by UDF councillors led by Opposition Leader Antony Kureethara reiterating the demand that the Mayor discuss the prevailing situation with them. They accused the Mayor of not ceding the demand for an emergency council meeting in the wake of the fire and the continuing suspension of waste collection thus denying a response of clarity to people.
When contacted, the Opposition councillors were told that the Mayor was attending a meeting, and that the Deputy Mayor was busy with discussions about the Corporation budget. Subsequently, the Opposition councillors laid siege to the Deputy Mayor’s chamber demanding that priority be given to protecting the life and property of people rather than the budget.
A short while later, CPI activists entered the Corporation office and tried to lead the Deputy Mayor out of her chamber. This led to unruly scenes between the two sides following which the UDF councillors accused the police of shoving a UDF councillor and arresting a few other councillors. Councillors Minimol and Suja Lonappan complained of injuries in the melee. Mr. Kureethara warned of strong protests against the alleged highhandedness of the police.
The Corporation office is likely to witness more tension in the days to come as the Opposition outfits plan to stage a slew of protests, including a day-long siege of the office on March 18.
Vaccination policies must prioritize saving human lives over individual choice amid rising vaccine skepticism, asserts scientist Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan.
Seven Indian fishermen from Rameswaram arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, sparking protests and calls for government intervention.
Kerala cyber police file a case against X for an AI video allegedly defaming PM Modi and the Election Commission.
iKure and Izawa Co. partner to combat avoidable blindness by integrating innovative eye care technology into rural healthcare networks.
Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.