Kottayam, 16 September (H.S.): Urban Development Front candidate Biju Mathews was elected vice-chairperson of the Pala Municipality with the support of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), consolidating the ruling coalition's control over the civic body.

Mathews secured 14 votes in the 26-member municipal council, while United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Sebastian Panakkal received 11 votes. Congress rebel councillor Rajitha Prakash abstained from the election.

The result came despite differences within the Urban Development Front over the selection of Mathews as its candidate. Councillors Tony Thaiparambil and Lisikutty, who had openly expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, voted in favour of the UDF candidate.

The LDF-led Urban Development Front had recently taken control of the Pala Municipality after unseating the previous UDF administration through a no-confidence motion. Several rebel councillors had supported the motion, paving the way for the change in leadership.

The front had earlier indicated that the vice-chairperson's post would be offered to one of the rebel councillors who supported the no-confidence motion. However, the decision to field Mathews reportedly upset Tony Thaiparambil, who had expected to be considered for the position.

Despite the dissent and the absence of support from some rebel councillors, the Urban Development Front succeeded in ensuring a majority for Mathews. Its calculation that the candidate could win even without the backing of every member associated with the ruling alliance proved correct.

The Urban Development Front currently commands a majority in the municipal council. However, the cross-voting by two councillors and the abstention of Rajitha Prakash have exposed continuing differences among the various groups supporting the administration.

Although the vice-chairperson election has now been completed, political equations within the Pala municipal council are expected to remain fluid. Further shifts in alliances and fresh disagreements over the distribution of key posts cannot be ruled out.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman