KC(M) member elected chairperson of Pala municipality

Two weeks after ousting its own chairman through a no-confidence motion, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has appointed another Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] member as chairman of the civic body.

In an election held on Monday, Thomas Peter, a KC(M) councillor representing Ward 3, defeated Jose Edett of the United Democratic Front (UDF) by seven votes. Of the 26 votes in the council, 25 were cast and Mr. Peter secured 16 votes.

The lone councillor of the Communist Party of India (CPI), who is currently abroad, abstained from voting. Shaju Thuruthan, the former chairman who was ousted through the LDF-backed no-confidence motion, and Binu Pulikkakandam, who was expelled from the Communist Party of India(Marxist) [CPI(M)], also participated in the voting.

Power-sharing pact

Mr. Peter, a two-time councillor, was selected as chairman as part of a power-sharing agreement within the LDF. He is slated to continue in the post for the remaining tenure of the existing council. Previously, he had served as chairman of the municipal standing committees on health and education. His wife, Sibil Thomas, was also a former municipal councillor.

Following his victory, Mr. Peter was felicitated at the municipal council hall. Vice-chairperson Biji Jojo presided over the function.

Last month, the LDF had removed Shaju Thuruthan from the chairman post after the ruling party councillors supported a no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition. Interestingly, while the UDF proposed the motion, its councillors abstained from voting, allowing the LDF members themselves to pass it and remove their own chairman.

In the 26-member council, the LDF has 16 members, including 10 KC(M) councillors, five CPI(M) councillors, and one CPI councillor.