“I’m leaving the chair with full satisfaction,” Mr. Varghese, who has been within the information these days for showering reward on Union Minister of State and BJP chief Suresh Gopi, who represents Thrissur in Parliament, instructed The Hindu. “When I took cost as Mayor, my understanding with the LDF was that I ought to be allowed to work and assume independently. The LDF by no means interfered in my functioning or criticised me in my tasks. In return, I’ve delivered growth price ₹1,500 crore to the town. It is now the celebration’s duty to speak these achievements to the individuals and win the election. I’ve fulfilled my obligation and given the town a corruption-free administration.”
Reflecting on his tenure, he mentioned, “I’ve labored tirelessly for the previous 5 years. The metropolis has by no means seen such progress earlier than. Thrissur entered UNESCO’s international community of Learning Cities. The countless achievements embrace state-of-the-art infrastructure, flawless roads, and a contemporary waste administration system.”
The Mayor added that after stepping down, he would take a three-month break earlier than deciding on his future plans. “I’ll stay energetic as a public employee,” he mentioned.
When requested if he would proceed his alliance with the LDF, Mr. Varghese replied, “I’ll cooperate with the political celebration that fits my ideology. I used to be elected as an impartial candidate, and I’ll determine whom I ought to align with.” He additionally hinted that he won’t contest the approaching election because the Mayor submit is reserved for ladies this time.
The LDF and the UDF had received the identical variety of seats within the final election, held in 2020. The LDF got here into energy with the help of UDF insurgent councillor M.Ok. Varghese, who contested as an impartial candidate
However, the Mayor’s newest remarks have fuelled contemporary hypothesis about his potential shift to the BJP. Along with saying his resolution to avoid LDF campaigning, Mr. Varghese strongly criticised former Congress MP T.N. Prathapan and showered reward on present MP, Mr. Suresh Gopi.
T.N. Prathapan didn’t give even a single paisa to the Corporation, he alleged. But Mr. Gopi, as quickly as he turned MP, contributed ₹1 crore, Mr. Varghese added.
The CPI, a key LDF ally, has beforehand expressed disapproval of Mr. Varghese’s repeated public help for Suresh Gopi and even demanded the LDF sever ties with him. However, the CPI(M) reportedly averted confrontation, conscious that the Corporation’s stability relied on Mr. Varghese’s backing.
Published – November 01, 2025 04:36 pm IST








