Kochi, 26 December(HS): The Congress High Command has been accused by a party councilor in Thrissur Municipal Corporation of “selling” the mayoral chair to the highest bidder.

Lali James, a Congress councilor, alleged that she lost out in the race for mayoral chair, because another councilor belonging to the party Dr Nigi Justin, paid crores of rupees as bribe to the top leaders of the party. Dr Nigi Stephen was elected as mayor on Friday.

“Nigi and her husband had met top AICC leaders and the couple had carried suitcases stuffed with currency notes when they met the party’s top leaders. Since I do not have that much money, I lost out in the race,” said Lali James, a senior Congress councilor who was elected for the third term to the Municipal Corporation.

She told reporters that she was not considered for the top post only because she had no money with her. “All the Congress councilors were supporting me for the mayor’s post. I had staked claims for the chair when I met the leaders who had assured me of all support,” said James.

But the party leadership said that James was certain to face disciplinary action for making unsubstantiated allegations against the Congress’ top leaders. Lali James retaliated within minutes and dared the party leaders to take disciplinary action against her. “Ill come out with more details about the deal once they initiate action against me,” said Lali James, who lost her husband a couple of months ago.

The Congress wrested power from the CPI(M) after ten years but the happiness over the victory has been eclipsed by allegations of corruption in the party’s high places.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti