UDF retains overall edge in Kottayam bypolls, CPI(M) wins Thrikkodithanam division
The UDF maintained its overall lead in local body bypolls in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, though the LDF successfully captured the Thrikkodithanam division. The results reflect a competitive political landscape in the region's local governance.
Why it matters
Local by-elections serve as a barometer for regional political sentiment and influence the distribution of power in local administrative bodies.
The UDF held on to its overall edge in the local body bypolls in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, but the LDF scored a significant gain by wresting the Thrikkodithanam division of the Kottayam district panchayat from the UDF.
The Thrikkodithanam district panchayat seat, which fell vacant after sitting member Vinu Job was elected to the Assembly from Changanassery in the recent election, saw the CPI(M) wrest the seat from the Kerala Congress. CPI(M) candidate Manju Sujith secured 16,280 votes to defeat Kerala Congress candidate Vijay Jose Marett, who polled 14,140 votes. BJP candidate A. Manoj secured 3,993 votes.
In Meenadom panchayat’s ward 11, Congress candidate Preetha Prasad won by 162 votes, while CPI(M) candidate Sunny Varghese emerged victorious in ward 10 of Pampady panchayat by a margin of 66 votes.
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