Suspense looms over the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation as the ruling LDF as well as the opposition UDF is eagerly waiting for the Cabinet decision regarding the transfer of Corporation secretary Mrinmayi Joshi.
The transfer of Ms. Joshi, just four months after she took charge, had kicked up a controversy that put the ruling front in the defensive. The opposition councillors alleged that the transfer was a retaliatory measure for her stern stance in the wake of another controversy in connection with alleged anomalies in the street light contract. She had reported to the council that four officials were responsible for the anomalies and had imposed punishment on them. The opposition maintained that the officials were only following orders from some LDF leaders and that the secretary was punished for not protecting them.
However, Mayor Thottathil Raveendran had expressed shock over the secretary’s transfer as she was the first IAS officer in 40 years to take over the position. He said that he had expressed his displeasure on the issue with the LDF State leadership and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to get Ms. Joshi back as Corporation secretary.
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The UDF, however, brushed aside the Mayor’s claim that he was unaware of the developments.
“When the same party rules the Corporation and the State, it is highly unlikely. The Mayor is trying an eyewash,” alleged IUML Councillor C. Abdurahman. He said that there was a lot of pressure on the secretary to dilute the punishment given to the erring officials.
The BJP that had come down heavily on the LDF initially is now offering the Mayor a breather.
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“The Mayor assured us that she will be brought back. Let’s wait and see,” said Nambidi Narayanan, BJP floor leader in the Corporation council. The revised order, if any, is expected to come out after a Cabinet meeting.
Ms. Joshi was transferred as Sub Collector in Kannur as per the Cabinet decision on April 26. She is at present undergoing training in Ahmedabad and is yet to receive the transfer order.