Mayors and deputy mayors of six major corporations — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur — as well as municipalities are being elected on Friday, 26 December.
Published Dec 26, 2025 | 4:02 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2025 | 4:02 PM
Congress in Kerala
Synopsis: But with just hours left for the polls, the Congress faced a major embarrassment in Thrissur Corporation, where senior councillor Lali James publicly revolted against the party’s mayoral choice, alleging that the post was “sold for money”.
As the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of local self-government institutions gets underway across Kerala, the Congress finds itself battling fresh internal turmoil, with open dissent, corruption allegations and factional disputes erupting in key municipalities and corporations.
Mayors and deputy mayors of six major corporations — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur — as well as municipalities are being elected on Friday, 26 December.
But with just hours left for the polls, the Congress faced a major embarrassment in Thrissur Corporation, where senior councillor Lali James publicly revolted against the party’s mayoral choice, alleging that the post was “sold for money”.
The crisis erupted after the Congress officially announced Dr Niji Just as its mayoral candidate for Thrissur Corporation. Lali James, who was widely believed to be the frontrunner and the first name under consideration, refused to accept the party whip for the election and went public with serious allegations against the party leadership.
“I don’t know how I was defeated. I was summoned to the DCC three days ago. The DCC president Joseph Taget said the party needs funds to function. I replied that I don’t have any money and that I have not made money out of public service,” Lali alleged.
She claimed that she was later summoned again at night, where senior leaders including MP T N Prathapan, Vincent and Joseph Taget were present.
“They asked if I could be accommodated for two or three terms, saying one year is enough now and the remaining four years should be given to someone else. That was all I asked for — one year. When that was rejected, I said if Niji is accepted, then give the second phase to Sudhi Babu and exempt me,” she said.
Lali further alleged that financial considerations played a decisive role in the leadership’s choice.
“I don’t have a penny to give. I strongly suspect that the party has chosen someone who is ready to provide funds or other benefits. Outsiders had already said that money was changing hands, and now I also have my doubts,” she said, adding that she had rarely seen Dr Niji Just actively involved in party programmes.
Following her rebellion, the Congress leadership has reportedly initiated damage-control efforts, with senior leader Therambil Ramakrishnan attempting to persuade Lali to fall in line and prevent further fallout.
Dr Niji, however, categorically rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and asserting that the party stands firmly behind her.
“I have been a Congress worker for 28 years. Posts come and go. I am not someone who holds grudges or indulges in controversies,” she said.
She expressed confidence that she would receive the support of all Congress councillors in the mayoral election and hinted at the possibility of backing beyond party lines.
“There is nothing for me to say to Lali. The party will respond to whatever needs to be said,” Niji added.
The Congress’s troubles are not confined to Thrissur. A parallel controversy has erupted within the Muslim League in Kasaragod Municipality over the election of the vice-chairperson, with similar allegations of the post being ‘paid for’ intensifying internal rifts.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
