Power play intensifies in Keralam’s Pala municipality ahead of chairperson election
The Pala municipality in Kerala is facing a volatile chairperson election following the ousting of the previous incumbent. Political maneuvering between the UDF, LDF, and a rebel group known as the Save Congress Forum has created significant uncertainty regarding the outcome.
Why it matters
This reflects the complex and often shifting nature of local coalition politics in Kerala.
A month after United Democratic Front (UDF)-backed chairperson Diya Pulikkakandam was ousted, the battle for the top post in Pala municipality has entered its final lap, with the election of her successor scheduled for Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
While the backing from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has put Congress rebel and acting chairperson Maya Rahul in a strong position, a fresh twist has added uncertainty to the numbers game.
The Save Congress Forum, comprising former Congress councillors expelled from the party for defying its whip, has already decided to field Ms. Rahul as its candidate. The UDF, on the other hand, is expected to announce its candidate on Tuesday (August 18).
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