The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully navigated a protracted factional conflict to retain control of the Pandalam Municipality, with councillor Achankunju John being elected as new chairman of the local body.
In an election held at the municipal council on Monday morning, Mr. John secured 19 votes, defeating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate, Laseetha Teacher, who bagged nine votes. Four Congress councillors and one from the Kerala Congress abstained from voting.
Later in the afternoon, BJP councillor U. Ramya won the election for the vice-chairperson’s post by the same margin. Following the victory, jubilant BJP supporters held a victory procession through Pandalam town.
The election results mark a significant boost for the BJP, which had been embroiled in a bitter factional feud despite holding a strong majority in the municipal council. Determined to consolidate its position, the party tasked its State general secretary C. Krishnakumar to spearhead their strategy. The move proved effective, as the BJP not only secured votes from its three dissident councillors but also won the support of the lone Independent member.
Despite holding 18 of the municipality’s 33 seats, the BJP’s position here had turned precarious after the previous municipal chairperson Susheela Santosh and vice-chairperson U. Ramya abruptly resigned on December 3. Their resignations coincided with a no-confidence motion filed by the LDF, with the backing of three dissenting BJP councillors and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
The internal discord within the BJP had stemmed from the leadership’s decision to appoint Susheela Santosh as municipal chairperson, overlooking K.V. Prabha, a four-time councillor and senior party leader. This led to Mr. Prabha’s suspension from the party on September 12. However, his membership was reinstated on Monday election, reflecting a conciliatory move by the party leadership.
The LDF holds nine seats in the Pandalam municipal council, while the UDF controls five. One seat is held by an independent councillor.
Published – December 23, 2024 08:46 pm IST