V K Prasanth Defends Sasthamangalam MLA Office Amidst Political Row, Citing Public Convenience
Thiruvananthapuram: V K Prasanth, MLA for Vattiyoorkavu, has strongly rebutted allegations raised by Congress leader K S Sabarinadhan regarding the operation of his MLA office in a municipal building in Sasthamangalam ward. Prasanth asserted that the office in Sasthamangalam serves the convenience of the people in his constituency and is not for Sabarinadhan’s ease.
Prasanth clarified that despite having office rooms allotted in the MLA hostel, the Sasthamangalam location was chosen due to the difficulties people face in reaching the hostel. He emphatically stated that he would not heed advice from individuals, even those considered superior to K S Sabarinadhan, regarding this matter.
Earlier, K S Sabarinadhan had questioned why Prasanth chose to operate an office in a municipal building in Sasthamangalam when he had two well-equipped office rooms allocated to him at the MLA hostel. Sabarinadhan’s query came amidst a dispute between Prasanth and BJP councilor R Sreelekha concerning the office room.
Responding to Sabarinadhan, V K Prasanth questioned whether a former MLA like Sabarinadhan should react in such a manner when the BJP is implementing its agenda. Prasanth urged Sabarinadhan to consider the implications if he were to bow to such directives, emphasizing that the Sasthamangalam office is exclusively for the convenience of his constituents, not for Sabarinadhan’s.
“The reason for choosing that office location is simple. It was found to be convenient for the people of my constituency to visit at all times. It has been operating smoothly there for seven years. It was only when the BJP administrative committee came into power that a discussion about moving the MLA from there was initiated, as part of some agenda. I do not understand why someone like Sabarinadhan would support this. Given the specific political situation, it needs to be examined. As for me, the Sasthamangalam office operates as a convenient place for everyone in my constituency to come and go,” V K Prasanth explained.
He further added, “Hundreds of common people visit there every day. Like all MLAs, I also have a room in the MLA hostel. However, the Sasthamangalam office operates in a way that allows ordinary people to walk in at any time without waiting for permission. The Sasthamangalam office is for the people’s convenience, not Sabarinadhan’s.” Prasanth reiterated his stance that the rent for the office has been paid until March 31, and further decisions will be considered after that period.
Sabarinadhan had previously stated: “Regarding the issue of the MLA’s office operating in the municipal office in Sasthamangalam ward, the municipal corporation will now decide on matters including the rent amount, after examining the agreement between the corporation and V K Prasanth. Let that stand, I also need to state another fact.
“The majority of MLAs in Kerala operate their offices in rented buildings within their own constituencies. I also did the same, operating from a rented room in Aryanad, paying monthly rent when I was a public representative. However, V K Prasanth has an advantage. The Legislative Assembly’s MLA hostel is in the Vattiyoorkavu constituency he represents. The MLA hostel, located in the heart of the city, offers good rooms, computer facilities, car parking, and all amenities. When I inquired, two excellent office rooms, numbered 31 and 32 in the Nila Block of the MLA hostel, have been allotted in his name. When the government provides such well-equipped MLA hostel facilities for free, why is he occupying this room in Sasthamangalam, abandoning those facilities?
“My opinion is that it would be better for him to move to the MLA hostel for the remainder of this legislative assembly term. Additionally, the municipal corporation should provide basic facilities for all councilors to operate.”