Opposition LDF lays siege to corporation office

The opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) has launched a fight against the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Kochi Corporation by organising a siege of the civic body’s office on Friday.

Though publicised as a protest against Mayor Tony Chammany and his allegedly corrupt administration, the mass mobilisation was a clear indication that the CPI(M)-led LDF had already switched on to election mode, which is around the corner.

Activists organised in rallies from all 74 divisions in the Corporation kept streaming in even as the siege, which started at 6 a.m., in front of the main entrance of the Corporation office was in an advanced stage. CPI(M) central committee member A. Vijayaraghavan inaugurated the siege.

CPI(M) district secretary P. Rajeev told

The Hindu that continuous protests programmes would be organised at the grassroot level in the months leading up to the election.

He said the siege was a continuation of a series of protests, including the one for Thammanam-Pulleppady road, people’s gathering for the Goshree-Mamangalam road, protests against inhuman eviction, and the siege of the Corporation zonal office at Palluruthy against the neglect of West Kochi, organised by the LDF.

Earlier, addressing the siege, opposition leader in the council K.J. Jacob said that Mr. Chammany had the ignominy of being the first Mayor to face vigilance inquiry for corruption. CPI district executive committee member T.C. Sanjith presided.