Photo: Sabina Binchu, Thodupuzha Municipality Chairperson
Thodupuzha: Following a clash between the Congress and the Muslim League, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has managed to retain the chairperson position in the Thodupuzha Municipality. CPM’s Sabina Binchu won the chairperson position with 14 votes after the UDF’s votes were divided. In the final round, four members from the Muslim League voted for the left candidate, while Congress candidate K. Deepak received 10 votes.
The uncertainty in the municipality began after Sanish George resigned following corruption allegations. There was indecision within the UDF until the last moment about who should be the chairman candidate. Consequently, both the Congress and the League fielded separate candidates. There was a prior understanding that the Muslim League would be given the chairperson position.
However, with the Congress fielding its candidate today, there was significant tension between Congress and League workers both inside and outside the council. The election extended to three rounds with four candidates for the chairperson position: Sabina Binchu from LDF, K. Deepak from Congress, M.A. Kareem from the Muslim League, and Jinesh Inchakkattu from BJP.
In the first round, LDF received 10 votes, Congress 7, League 6, and BJP 8, with one vote invalid. The League candidate with the fewest votes was eliminated in the first round. The contest continued among LDF, Congress, and BJP. In the second round, LDF received 10 votes, Congress 9, and BJP 8, leading to the elimination of the BJP candidate with the fewest votes.
Dramatic events unfolded in the third round. With support from 4 Muslim League members, LDF received 14 votes, while Congress received 10 votes. The LDF candidate, Sabina Binchu, was elected chairperson with the highest votes. The Muslim League and Congress workers engaged in a verbal altercation and physical scuffles. The disagreement over the chairperson position between Congress and the League ended in a brawl.
