Thrissur: A controversy has erupted within the Thrissur Congress unit just hours before the mayoral election, with Congress councillor Laly James alleging that the party leadership sold the mayoral post for "bags of money". James, a four-time councillor representing the Lalur division, claims she was sidelined because she lacked the funds allegedly required by the party.

James has directly accused the district party leadership of prioritizing financial considerations over merit and support within the party. She alleges that Dr. Niji Justin, the UDF mayoral candidate, approached party leaders with "cash box" to secure the position. James claims that the majority of elected Congress councillors had proposed her name for the mayor's post, asserting that she enjoyed wider backing within the party ranks. Despite this, she was allegedly overlooked due to her inability to meet the purported financial demands.

"The party wants money. I think the party has gone after money," James told the media. "I have no money but only hard work... I was told that leaders are running with money bags. I don't know where the money has gone. People are asking me whether this post can be obtained after paying money. I have no money. I hail from a farming family". She further stated the alleged deals were finalized two days prior to her public statement.

Despite her allegations, James stated that she would vote for Niji Justin, emphasizing that her vote is for the Congress party. "I will vote for Congress," she said. "The vote is not for her, but for Congress". She also affirmed that she would remain a Congress worker.

The Thrissur District Congress Committee (DCC) has vehemently denied James's allegations. DCC Thrissur president Joseph Tajet stated that the decision to select Niji Justin was taken after consulting councillors and the party leadership. He questioned James's claims, asking if she had ever given money to obtain a party ticket in her four previous campaigns. Tajet added that the party would investigate the reasons behind her statements and that the selection process was conducted according to procedure.

Niji Justin, the newly elected mayor, has deferred to the party leadership to address the allegations. "Only the party leadership has to answer to this allegation," she stated.

The controversy has sparked calls for investigation into the allegations. A vigilance complaint has been filed, seeking a thorough probe into the claim that the Thrissur mayor's post was handed over to Dr. Niji Justin in exchange for money. The complaint also seeks an examination of the credibility of Lali James's allegations and demands strict action if the claims are found to be substantiated.

The allegations have triggered significant dissent within the Thrissur Congress unit, exposing a serious internal conflict. The incident raises questions about transparency and ethical practices within the party, potentially impacting its image and credibility in the region. The coming days are likely to see further developments as the party addresses the controversy and as investigations, if any, unfold.