Kottayam, 05 July (H.S.):

The Congress is set to withdraw its support to the Independent coalition governing the Pala Municipality, a move that could trigger a political crisis in the local body.

The decision follows mounting differences between the Congress and the Independent coalition, with the Congress Mandalam Committee passing a resolution stating that it can no longer continue its alliance with the group. The committee has decided to forward the resolution to the district and state leadership of the party, seeking formal approval to withdraw support.

Mandalam Committee president said the prolonged disputes with the Independent coalition had reached a point where cooperation was no longer possible. The local Congress leadership also made it clear that it was unwilling to work either with the Independent coalition or with the Kerala Congress (M) group in the municipality.

The latest flashpoint emerged during a meeting of the Pala Municipal Council over a proposal to allow the DYFI to use the Kottaramattom bus stand for its conference. The issue sparked heated exchanges within the council and exposed deep divisions within the ruling arrangement.

The proposal was eventually approved through a vote conducted in the absence of UDF councillors, further aggravating tensions between the Congress and its allies in the municipality.

Municipal Chairperson Diya Pulickakkandam said she and other councillors belonging to the ruling side had opposed granting permission to the DYFI to use the bus stand. She maintained that they had expressed their disagreement during the council proceedings.

The Congress' move to distance itself from the Independent coalition has cast uncertainty over the future of the municipal administration. If the party formally withdraws its support after receiving approval from the higher leadership, the ruling arrangement in Pala Municipality could lose its majority, paving the way for a major political realignment or a possible change in the administration.

The developments are being closely watched by political parties, as the outcome could significantly alter the balance of power in the municipality.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman