The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces a significant challenge ahead of the upcoming local body elections in Kerala. Former party spokesperson M.S. Kumar has publicly accused the BJP leadership of being responsible for the tragic suicide of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation councillor K. Anilkumar in September. Anilkumar’s death was linked to a severe financial crisis within a cooperative society he had once led.
In a powerful Facebook post shared on Saturday, Mr. Kumar revealed that he is experiencing similar mental distress due to his involvement with another cooperative society. He detailed how the Cooperation department had launched an inquiry into alleged irregularities at the Thiruvithamcore Cooperative Society (No. T-1530), which he previously headed, and that police complaints had been filed by depositors.
“A staggering 70% of the individuals who borrowed from the society I’m associated with are my own party members, and an alarming 90% of those who have failed to repay their loans are also party members,” Mr. Kumar stated in his post. “This includes both ordinary workers and State office-bearers, as well as leaders from other parties who maintain close ties with central figures. I’ve grown weary of repeatedly requesting repayment, and therefore, I’ve decided to publicly disclose all their names and the outstanding amounts. My next post will reveal these details.”
In a direct challenge, seemingly aimed at BJP leaders within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kumar emphasized the public’s right to see the true character of those aspiring to govern the city. “In the run-up to the election, particularly within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the suicide of Mr. Anilkumar and the underlying reasons will undoubtedly be a central topic of discussion. He was destined for great political success, but his journey was tragically cut short because of his association with a cooperative society,” Mr. Kumar added.
‘False claims and stifled investments’
Kumar further lamented that ongoing controversies surrounding various cooperative societies in Kerala have deterred potential investments. “Some individuals, driven by personal animosity, have spread baseless allegations against our society, and certain media outlets published these without verifying the facts. Consequently, loan recipients have ceased repayments, and investors are demanding their money back. Even those expected to stand by us are now distancing themselves,” he explained.
Anilkumar’s suicide note reportedly indicated that the BJP-controlled Valiyasala Farm Tour Society, in which he was involved, was grappling with a crisis due to significant outstanding debts. He mentioned in the letter that the society had assisted “our people,” but their repayment was delayed. This prompted allegations from the CPI(M), suggesting that the councillor was implicitly criticizing his own party members.