THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s refusal to grant permission for a cultural event featuring popular Malayalam singer Pushpavathy has triggered controversy in Kerala’s capital. The programme was planned to mark the silver jubilee celebrations of Manaveeyam Veedhi, a popular cultural corridor in the city that regularly hosts artistic and literary events. Kerala’s Cultural Affairs Minister P. C. Vishnunadh has urged the civic body to reconsider its decision. Mayor V. V. Rajesh, however, stated that he was unaware of both the singer and the proposed silver jubilee celebrations.
Organisers alleged that the corporation denied permission without citing any valid reason, even though they had submitted applications to the police and civic authorities as per the prescribed procedures.
They further claimed that corporation officials have recently imposed restrictions on programmes at the venue. Minister Vishnunadh described Pushpavathy as one of the most gifted singers in Malayalam and noted that she had previously served as vice chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. He emphasized that Manaveeyam Veedhi is intended to be a space for creative activities, and imposing restrictions on artists or denying them opportunities to perform is undesirable.
Mayor Rajesh countered that the state government had entrusted the corporation with the maintenance of Manaveeyam Veedhi, which was renovated using funds under the Smart City Mission. He added that official records should exist with the corporation if a committee had been constituted to organize the silver jubilee celebrations. Manaveeyam Veedhi, located in Thiruvananthapuram, is a well-known public space dedicated to cultural programmes and performances.
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