Kottayam, 04 September (H.S.):

The State Election Commission has issued notices to Pala Municipality Chairperson Maya Rahul and four former Congress councillors over allegations of defection that led to the United Democratic Front (UDF) losing control of the civic body.

The Commission has asked Maya and councillors Biju Mathews, Tony Thaiparambil, Lissykutty Mathew and Rajita Prakash to appear for a hearing on September 22. The proceedings follow complaints filed by the UDF and independent councillor Binu Pulickakandam, who is aligned with the front.

The notices come at a politically significant time, with the election for the municipality's vice-chairperson scheduled for September 16.

The dispute stems from the change of administration in Pala after Maya and the four councillors allegedly broke ranks with the UDF and joined hands with the Left Democratic Front (LDF). They are accused of supporting a move to remove then chairperson Diya Binu Pulickakandam, resulting in the UDF losing power.

Maya, who had earlier served as vice-chairperson with UDF support, subsequently became chairperson with the backing of the LDF and the four dissident councillors. The Congress had expelled the four councillors from its primary membership ahead of the chairperson election.

Following the 2025 local body elections, the UDF had formed an alliance with an independent group led by Binu Pulickakandam, his daughter Diya and his brother Biju Pulickakandam. Diya was subsequently elected chairperson.

The LDF had 12 councillors, including 10 from Kerala Congress (M) and two from the CPM.

The complainants have sought the disqualification of Maya and the four former Congress councillors, arguing that their actions violated the anti-defection law.

Binu said he would submit documentary evidence and witnesses before the Election Commission to establish that the councillors had acted against the political front on whose support they were elected

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman