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Laly James levelled allegations against UDF mayoral candidate Niji Justin, questioning the manner in which the candidature was finalised.
Laly James alleged that Justin’s candidature was finalised not on merit or party support but on financial strength. (File)
Ahead of the mayoral election, the Congress party in Thrissur has been hit by an internal controversy after a councillor publicly alleged that the mayor’s post in the Thrissur Corporation was sold in exchange for money.
Laly James, a four-time councillor elected from the Lalur division with the highest margin in the corporation, claimed that the mayoral post was “sold” and that she was sidelined because she did not have the required funds to offer party leaders. She alleged that the district leadership ignored her despite having the backing of a majority of Congress councillors.
As per media reports, James also levelled allegations against UDF mayoral candidate Niji Justin, questioning the manner in which the candidature was finalised. She alleged that Justin’s candidature was finalised not on merit or party support but on financial strength. She said that Justin personally approached party leaders with a “cash box” to secure the post.
She further claimed she came from a farming family and had only her hard work to offer the party. “The party wants money. I have no money, only hard work. People are asking me whether posts can be obtained by paying money,” she said, adding that she would still vote for the Congress candidate in the mayoral election.
Responding to allegations, Justin denied the charges and said that the party leadership would give an appropriate reply. “I have been with the party since 1999 and have worked at various levels in the Youth Congress and in social service,” she said.
Thrissur District Congress Committee President Joseph Tajet stated that the decision was made after consultations with councillors and the party leadership, in accordance with established procedures. He said that the party would examine why James made such statements.
Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan said that the party has a clear procedure for selecting mayors and that the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) would look into any complaints.
The controversy erupted days after Navjot Kaur Sidhu criticised the Congress leadership in Punjab and alleged that “a suitcase full of Rs 500 crore” has to be given to become the chief minister in Punjab.
She had said that her husband would return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party’s chief ministerial face in Punjab. She had further said they do not have money to give to any party but can transform Punjab into a “golden state”. She was later suspended by the Punjab Congress.
(With inputs from agencies)
Thrissur, India, India
December 26, 2025, 19:13 IST
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