Kottayam, 19 August (H.S.): UDF rebel councillor Maya Rahul was elected chairperson of Pala municipality on Wednesday with the support of the Left Democratic Front, marking another shift in the balance of power in the 26-member council.

Maya secured 16 votes in the chairperson election, defeating Congress-led UDF candidate Riya Bino Cheeramkuzhy, who received 10 votes. LDF councillors and UDF rebels supported Maya in the closely watched contest.

Representing Ward 19, Maya is serving her second term in the municipal council. She was vice-chairperson during the previous UDF administration.

Maya’s camp had expected the support of five rebel UDF councillors. However, one rebel reportedly voted for the Congress candidate. The backing of the LDF and the remaining dissidents was nevertheless sufficient to secure her victory.

The local body elections had produced a hung council in Pala, with neither political front winning an outright majority. The UDF initially formed the administration with the support of three independent councillors from the Pulikkakandam family. Diya Binu Pulikkakandam was then elected chairperson.

After her victory, Maya appealed to all councillors to work together to restore Pala’s former glory. She said the municipality could move forward only with the cooperation of every member.

Commenting on the UDF councillors leaving before the result was formally declared, Maya said only they could explain their decision. She added that no agreement had been reached on sharing the chairperson’s term.

LDF leaders described the outcome as a victory for truth and justice.

The fresh election became necessary after Diya, who made history as the country’s youngest municipal chairperson, was removed through an LDF-sponsored no-confidence motion.

The motion was passed with the support of four Congress councillors and the independent vice-chairperson. The Congress members backed the motion despite a party whip directing them not to participate in any discussion on the no-confidence motion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman