With the LDF and BJP demanding the resignation of mayor Tony Chammany and town planning committee chairman K.J. Sohan following a vigilance probe against them, a section of Congress leaders have also joined the bandwagon.
As the controversy over the irregularities in the deal signed by the corporation, with a private agency for the display of advertisement boards on lamp posts, heightens I-group members have unexpectedly joined hands with the LDF in their demand for the mayor’s resignation.
“During the LDF regime, political leaders who faced a vigilance probe resigned and the mayor should follow this practice,” said a senior I-group leader.
It may be recalled that Chammany got the coveted post after defeating I-group nominee N. Venugopal in 2010.
Though Venugopal was accommodated as GCDA chairman later, he is still smarting under the defeat he suffered, sources close to him said.
However, with a safe majority, leaders in the A-group are confident of facing any challenge including a no-confidence motion.
“If they want the mayor to be ousted, they can bring a no-confidence motion against us. We are ready to face it. It is just a preliminary probe order and the mayor and town planning committee chairman have not been accused. And there is no such practice that those who face a vigilance inquiry should resign,” said a senior leader.
Meanwhile, LDF councillors have made it clear that they don’t want to oust the council and have no plans to bring a no-confidence motion.
“But, we will continue the protest within the council and outside till Chammany and Sohan resign,” said a CPM councillor.