UDF wrests control of Kerala's Thrikkakara Municipality

KOCHI: The political tug-of-war witnessed in the Thrikkakara Municipality for the past two weeks came to an end on Wednesday with the LDF losing its majority in the Council.

In the 43-member Council, the UDF needed the support of 22 members to pass the no-confidence motion. However, the entire 20 LDF councillors and independent councillor Nazar, who had won the election as a CPM rebel, abstained from voting.

The no-confidence motion was thus declared passed, thereby resulting in the removal of K K Neenu from the post of Municipal chairperson. After the local body elections, the UDF had won 21 seats and LDF 20. LDF and UDF rebels had one seat each. The UDF required only one more seat to get a majority, of 22 seats.

However, the LDF had the last laugh then as it succeeded in wooing UDF rebel Sabu Francis and LDF rebel Nazar to their front. The LDF thus got the support of 22 members. Sabu was also elected as the vice chairman.

Two years hence, Sabu Francis has taken a sharp turn from his stance and alliance, having decided to go back to the UDF camp last week. Though Nazar took a stance in favour of the LDF this time, the UDF - with the support of Sabu - brought an end to the LDF rule.

“It is politics and there is no disagreement with the LDF,” said Francis’ when queried about the change from his earlier stand.  

The Municipal secretary later said both the vacancies have been reported to the State Election Commission.

“As per the rule, the election to the vacant posts of chairman and vice-chairman will be held at the earliest after giving all councillors at least seven days’ notice. Normally, it won’t go beyond 15 to 20 days,” he said.

Sources said Ajitha Thankappan and M T Omana of Congress (A) are learned to be the front-runners for the chairperson’s post. There are also suggestions the two leaders will be given tenures of a year each. Meanwhile, with Sabu Francis returning to the front, the UDF will be forced to consider him for the post of vice chairman. Sources said Sabu Francis’ return to the UDF side was one of the reasons for Nazar abstaining from the no-confidence motion. “Nazar was sure the UDF will give priority to Francis for the vice chairman’s post,” sources said.