Mayor V.K. Minimol visited the Brahmapuram waste management site on January 14, 2026, to address concerns raised by the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF). She highlighted ongoing problems like pending biomining of legacy waste, large food waste piles, soggy reclaimed land, and less effective black soldier fly (BSF) plants. The day before, the UDF announced the Indira Canteen budget eatery, which LDF criticized as a move against its Samridhi@Kochi hotel project. Responding to accusations, former Mayor M. Anilkumar called LDF’s claims an attempt to sabotage a working system. He said, "Biomining of almost 90% of legacy waste has been completed, and the remaining portion, mostly food waste, is not dangerous as plastic has been completely removed." He explained that soggy land after biomining shows the removal of buried waste and is also caused by flooding near Kadambrayar. Mr. Anilkumar added that the UDF had opposed biomining and BSF plants when it was in opposition and questioned LDF's wish to change the Brahmapuram master plan months after approving it. LDF Parliamentary Party leader V.A. Sreejith said, "We never claimed that biomining had been completed. We have always said it is an ongoing process." He urged quick commissioning of the compressed biogas plant meant to treat food waste, citing current waste build-up. Taking a swipe at the UDF, Mr. Sreejith mentioned T.K. Asharaf, the works standing committee chairperson and former health committee head during LDF’s tenure, suggesting UDF members seek clarity from him. Mr. Asharaf was part of the UDF's Brahmapuram visit. The debate reflects increasing political tensions over waste management ahead of the Assembly elections.