Pandalam municipality to elect new leadership even as BJP’s grip on civic body wavers

Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grapples with internal divisions, all eyes are now on the unfolding political drama in the Pandalam municipality – the lone civic body governed by the saffron party in South Kerala. Elections for the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson here are scheduled for December 23, setting the stage for a decisive battle.

The turmoil began earlier this month with the abrupt resignations of chairperson Susheela Santosh and vice-chairperson U. Remya following a no-confidence motion moved by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Emboldened by this initial victory, the LDF now seeks to exploit the crisis and wrest control of the council by backing BJP rebels.

Despite holding 18 of the 33 seats, the BJP’s position appears precarious. The LDF controls nine seats, the United Democratic Front (UDF) holds five, and one seat is occupied by an Independent member. Adding to the BJP’s woes, three of its councillors, including former council party leader K.V. Prabha, have turned rebels and allied with the Opposition.

As uncertainty looms, both sides are keeping their strategies close to their chest. BJP district president V.A. Sooraj expressed confidence of retaining the civic body but acknowledged that candidates for the leadership positions are yet to be finalised.

BJP to issue whip

“The party will issue a whip to all councillors elected on the BJP symbol. Non-compliance will result in strict action, including disqualification,’‘ he cautioned.

Despite efforts by the BJP leadership, including State president K. Surendran, to broker a solution, attempts to resolve the crisis have so far failed.

Meanwhile, the LDF appears ready to capitalise on the BJP’s internal divisions. Although its candidates are yet to be announced, sources suggest that the LDF may field BJP rebels to these posts. The UDF has also signalled its willingness to back the rebels, presenting a united front against the BJP.

“The priority is on keeping BJP out of power,’‘ said Laseetha Nair, leader of the LDF council party, adding that the final decision on the candidates lies with the LDF district committee.

According to sources in the CPI(M), the LDF is considering Mr. Prabha as its candidate for the chairperson’s post.

Even with its numerical advantage, the BJP has struggled to maintain stability in the council. The rebellion led by Mr. Prabha against the now-resigned chairperson has only added to the party’s challenges. Mr. Prabha, a senior BJP leader, has been suspended from the party since September 12.

Published - December 14, 2024 07:12 pm IST