Sat Dec 06 14:31:49 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

The political party Twenty20 is contesting upcoming local body elections in Kochi and surrounding areas in Kerala, India, facing opposition from established parties like Congress and CPI(M). Twenty20’s president, Sabu M. Jacob, accuses these parties of corruption and hindering his party’s progress, alleging they are solely interested in usurping public funds. He defends his party’s financial record in Kizhakkambalam panchayat, where Twenty20 governs, refuting allegations of financial mismanagement and showcasing audit reports proving significant savings and proper fund utilization. Jacob also claims that many of the party’s candidates back out of the elections due to threats from political leaders of opposing parties.

News Article:

Twenty20 Party President Alleges Conspiracy and Corruption as Kerala Local Elections Loom

KOCHI, INDIA – December 6, 2025 – As Kerala prepares for local body elections, tensions are escalating between the Twenty20 party and established political forces. Sabu M. Jacob, President of Twenty20, has launched a scathing attack on the Congress and CPI(M), accusing them of conspiring against his party and engaging in widespread corruption.

Speaking at a press conference in Kizhakkambalam, Mr. Jacob characterized the opposing parties as a collective of “robber gangs” solely focused on exploiting public tax revenue. He asserted that these national parties are actively working to undermine Twenty20’s decade-long presence in the region.

The accusations come in response to recent claims by Congress MP Benny Behanan, who alleged financial mismanagement within the Twenty20-governed Kizhakkambalam panchayat. Mr. Behanan questioned the reported savings of ₹32 crore and the utilization of Plan funds.

Mr. Jacob vehemently refuted these accusations, releasing what he claims are audited financial reports from 2022 to 2025. These reports, according to Mr. Jacob, demonstrate sound financial management, with the exception of a minor loss attributed to a tax collection error. He further emphasized the existence of ₹32 crore in savings across various bank accounts, accumulated during Twenty20’s tenure. Twenty20 reported the implementation of annual plans worth ₹212 crore in the panchayat over the last five years.

This year, Twenty20 is expanding its reach, contesting elections in the Kochi Corporation, Maradu, Thripunithura, and Thrikkakara municipalities, as well as local bodies spanning from Pathanapuram to Muthalamada.

However, Mr. Jacob alleged that numerous Twenty20 candidates have withdrawn from the race due to intimidation by leaders from CPI(M) and Congress, including the Opposition Leader.

The upcoming local body elections are shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, with Twenty20 positioning itself as an alternative to the established political order, promising transparency and effective governance.

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