M. Anilkumar, former Mayor of Kochi and CPI(M) State committee member, has warned the UDF-led Kochi Corporation against overspending and overestimating waste at Brahmapuram. Speaking at a press conference on January 16, 2026, he addressed criticisms from Mayor V.K. Minimol, who claimed Brahmapuram needs more projects and that 2.5 lakh tonnes of waste remain to be bio-mined. Anilkumar disputed the Mayor's figures, saying much of the waste buried scientifically in previous administrations does not need biomining again. He clarified that only waste in the now-closed windrow plant should be bio-mined, not the entire 2.5 lakh tonnes. He also defended the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) plants used at Brahmapuram. According to him, only one of the two 50-tonne capacity plants requires adjustment. He warned that exaggerating waste amounts and adding unnecessary facilities could fuel corruption through inflated spending and excess vehicle hiring. Anilkumar stated the combined capacity of the existing BSF plants and an upcoming biogas plant is about 150 tonnes daily, sufficient for the city’s needs aside from 30-50 tonnes more. He suggested a windrow plant would handle the remainder since the city produces 180-200 tonnes daily. He explained that biomining caused the waste site to subside and, along with its closeness to the Kadambrayar river, leads to waterlogging during high tide. He countered the Mayor’s claim about the site’s condition by adding that an embankment is the appropriate solution. On the political front, Anilkumar approved the UDF’s Indira Canteen plan for low-cost meals but criticized cutting support for Samridhi@Kochi outlets. He accused the UDF of repeatedly renaming projects after Nehru family members, then abandoning them after failure, citing examples like the People’s Plan Campaign and Janashree. His remarks emphasize caution against wasteful spending and political shifts overshadowing effective governance.