Vice-chairperson poll puts ruling alliance in Kerala’s Pala to test

Two weeks after an alliance of Congress rebel councillors and the LDF came to power in Pala municipality, the civic body is bracing for another political test with the election of the vice-chairperson scheduled for September 16.

While the election of Congress rebel Maya Rahul as chairperson passed off smoothly, the vice-chairperson election is expected to be more contentious, with differences within the ruling combine over the post remaining unresolved. Adding to the uncertainty, Congress rebels Biju Mathews and Tony Thaiparambil have staked claims to the post.

In the 26-member council, the LDF-Congress rebel alliance enjoys a clear majority, with 12 LDF councillors and four Congress rebels. The Kerala Congress (M)-led LDF had earlier made it clear that it would not seek any position in the civic body, leaving the vice-chairperson post to the Congress rebels. However, the rebels have yet to reach a consensus on their candidate.