Controversy Erupts Over Thiruvananthapuram Mayor’s London Award Amid Local Body Elections
Thiruvananthapuram is buzzing with fresh drama as local body elections approach. Mayor Arya Rajendran just picked up a ‘World Book of Records’ award in London, sparking cheers from her supporters and sharp jabs from critics. The timing couldn’t be more heated, with the BJP eyeing a win in the upcoming polls.
The award honors the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s push for sustainable development, like their big ‘Seed Ball’ campaign. This initiative got over 6,000 kids involved at Putharikandam Maidan to plant seeds for a greener city. Rajendran shared the excitement on Facebook, posting: "I’m receiving the Certificate of Excellence at the World Book of Records function in the UK Parliament for our sustainable development works in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. I dedicate this to the movement and the people."
CPI(M) leaders and online fans quickly flooded social media with photos of the mayor holding her certificate, showering her with praise. But not everyone is impressed. Opposition voices, including from the BJP, slammed it as a "purchased honour" – something you can buy with money. They point out the event happened in a rented hall, with no real ties to the official British Parliament, even though posters screamed "UK Parliament."
This isn’t the first time Rajendran has made headlines. Since becoming Kerala’s youngest mayor in 2020 at just 21, she’s faced flak over her decisions and style of working. The Local Self-Government Department did approve her trip, based on an invite from August 22. The corporation covered the costs from its own budget, including airfare, after a nod from the secretary.
As congratulatory posts battle it out with online trolls, the whole saga has kicked off bigger questions. Is this a legit international award, or just a flashy event? And should public money fund trips like this? With local body elections in Kerala just around the corner, the debate is only heating up, especially as the BJP pushes to topple the current setup in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
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