Bypolls in three panchayats in Keralam’s Ernakulam to have little impact on power equations

The upcoming bypolls to the three grama panchayat wards in Ernakulam will not have much impact on the political equations in the local bodies, though the outcome in Poothrikka may hold an element of suspense.

Kolencherry East of Poothrikka, Madaplathuruth East of Vadakkekara, and Puliyanam East of Parakkadavu will go to the polls on September 28.

The bypoll in Poothrikka was necessitated after Twenty20’s Pooja Jomon resigned as both panchayat president and a ward member in protest against the party’s decision to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Twenty20 lost power in the panchayat as Ms. Jomon was elected president in a draw of lots after Twenty20 and the United Democratic Front (UDF) were tied in seven seats each, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) won two seats in the 16-member local body. Ms. Jomon’s resignation paved the way for UDF rule in the panchayat.