Kochi Corporation Budget passed amid Opposition boycott

The Kochi Corporation Budget for 2025–26 was approved amid Opposition protests and a walkout on Thursday (March 27, 2025).

The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) was up in arms from the outset of the council meeting, alleging that details of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds received by the Corporation were missing from the Budget documents. When Mayor M. Anilkumar volunteered to respond, the UDF reportedly insisted that Deputy Mayor K.A. Ansiya, who had presented the Budget, should reply.

When their demand went unheeded, the Opposition councillors walked out, raising slogans in protest. They also questioned the alleged omission of ₹11 crore that the Corporation had received as CSR funds from the Budget documents.

Congress councillors Antony Kureethara and M.G. Aristotle sought details of the accounts for activities carried out during the 2024–25 fiscal. Following their walkout, the Budget was passed, and the Mayor left the council hall.

Later, during a press conference, the Mayor reportedly accused the Opposition of deliberately disrupting attempts to respond to their questions on the council floor. He alleged that the Opposition was trying to sabotage many development projects beneficial to the city.

“CSR funds are either directly contributed to the Corporation’s account or spent on various projects with its approval. Some funds are also utilised through the civic body’s recognised implementing agencies.” Mr. Anilkumar questioned how the Opposition could insist on including details of funds spent directly by firms in the Budget documents.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Mayor of leaving the chair without waiting for a vote on the Budget discussion, despite the party’s written request to the Corporation secretary. This, the party alleged, amounted to violation of rules.

“The Corporation is set to implement a health insurance scheme for Haritha Karma Sena members, who will also be provided with uniforms and vehicles. In the second phase, autorickshaw operators will be covered, followed by a gradual expansion to the entire working class,” Mr. Anilkumar said.

This was in addition to the Budget proposal for health cards, medical camps, and treatment for waste collection workers, headload workers, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and Kudumbashree members.