Kochi Corporation Council meeting sees trading of corruption charges

The Kochi Corporation Council meeting on Thursday (October 16, 2025) witnessed a war of words between the Opposition and ruling benches as both sides traded corruption charges.

The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) sought to corner Mayor M. Anilkumar and the governing committee over corruption allegations, following the arrest of two Corporation officials by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on bribery charges. The Mayor hit back, alleging that officials had maintained bribery rate cards during the UDF’s tenure.

Going on the offensive, Mr. Anilkumar asked who had shared the proceeds from bribery under the UDF rule. Accusing the Opposition of raising baseless corruption charges, he warned that he would be compelled to revisit past affairs. “Corrupt officials will not go scot-free, and strict action will be taken,” the Mayor said.

He added that such officials should be brought to justice by the Vigilance, and a letter would be sent to the VACB Director requesting an investigation against the official in the Vytilla zone facing corruption allegations. Mr. Anilkumar also accused the UDF of double standards in matters of development.

On the cost escalation in the construction of the Corporation office, the Mayor explained that it was due to the addition of new facilities in line with evolving needs.