Kerala: Sixteen LDF councilors, including independent councilor PC Manoop and left councilor MJ Dixon, have lodged a complaint with the director of vigilance seeking an inquiry into the Onam gift of Rs 10,000 each by chairperson Ajitha Thankappan to councilors in Thrikkakara municipality. Ajitha Thankappan, the chairperson, had secretly distributed the money in sealed covers along with the 'Onakkodi' (new clothes) after calling each of the 43 councilors, including opposition members, to her cabin. They claimed that 18 councilors subsequently returned the amount as they had doubts about the source of the money.

In a brief visual, released by the opposition councilors which was later aired by TV channels, they could be seen trying to hand over some envelopes to the chairperson in her cabin. Only four Left councilors, one Congress councilor and one independent councilor refused to receive the envelope. There are indications that the Left councilors filed a complaint after the party leadership took a tough stand.

The councilors alleged that Ajitha Thankappan gave them Rs 10,000 each along with 'Onakkodi'. They added that the money was given in sealed covers. Meanwhile, Ajitha Thankappan has denied the allegations. "The news that the councilors were given money as Onam gifts is completely baseless. Onakkodi was handed over to the councilors to be given to the elderly citizens in each ward," she said.

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