BJP Secures Leave for Jailed Councillor Citing UDF Circular

Amid protests from opposition councillors, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council approved a six-month leave for jailed BJP councillor R Sugathan, detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The BJP cited a Home Department circular issued by the previous UDF government to justify the move, which opposition parties termed illegal. The leave safeguards Sugathan's membership and the BJP's slender majority in the council.