The Budget session of the Kochi Corporation on Tuesday descended into absolute mayhem after the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) councillors almost came to blows. Deputy Mayor K.A. Ansiya was accosted by the UDF councillors, following which the LDF councillors came to her rescue and formed a protective ring around her.
Later, the LDF accused UDF councillors of physically attacking the Deputy Mayor, which the latter flatly denied. UDF councillors protested the alleged move by Ms. Ansiya to present the Budget despite notice being served for the session stating that the Corporation Secretary will present it under Section 290 of the Kerala Municipality Act in view of the failure of the finance standing committee chaired by Ms. Ansiya to approve the Budget.
The drama started unfolding when the UDF councillors who were already up on their feet holding placards moved in front of the Mayor’s elevated dais around 10.40 a.m. by which time the Budget presentation was behind schedule by 10 minutes.
