Following a complaint from the Municipal Corporation secretary, the Cantonment police registered a case late Friday night against BJP district president Karamana Jayan. The case cites violations of Kerala High Court orders and instructions from the Local Self-Government Department.

The FIR states that flex boards were installed between Paliam Junction and Pulimoodu Junction during the Prime Minister’s visit, obstructing public pathways and creating hazards. The case has been filed under Section 223 (disobedience of public servant orders) and Section 285 (obstruction on public ways) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 120(b) of the Kerala Police Act, which addresses causing inconvenience or danger to the public. Municipal officials added that BJP leaders were repeatedly asked to remove the boards, but no compliance was observed.

This incident comes soon after BJP made historic gains in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections. On December 26, BJP candidate V.V. Rajesh was elected mayor with 51 votes, marking the first time a BJP member has held the mayoral office in Kerala. He secured support from an independent councillor, while Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate P. Shivaji received 29 votes and United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate K.S. Sabarinathan 19 votes. Two votes were later declared invalid.

The election ended the LDF’s 45-year hold over the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. In the 2020 local body elections, the LDF had won 52 wards, BJP-led NDA 33 wards, and the UDF 10 wards. The city remains a stronghold of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, reflecting a highly competitive political landscape.

Municipal authorities have emphasized that adherence to civic regulations is mandatory regardless of political stature. The BJP’s fine and the registered FIR highlight the enforcement of public safety and urban order regulations, particularly during high-profile visits.

Officials have indicated that further inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance, and any failure to follow municipal directives could result in additional penalties. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between civic management and political activities in Thiruvananthapuram’s newly reshaped governance environment.