Power play intensifies in Keralam’s Pala municipality ahead of chairperson election

Power play intensifies in Keralam’s Pala municipality ahead of chairperson election The race for the chairperson position in Pala municipality has reached a critical stage, with the election set for Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The contest pits Congress rebel and acting chairperson Maya Rahul against candidates backed by the United Democratic Front (UDF). The situation remains volatile, with shifting alliances and internal disputes complicating the outcome. One month after Diya Pulikkakandam, the UDF-backed chairperson, was ousted following a trust vote on July 21, 2026, the political landscape has evolved rapidly. The Save Congress Forum, a group of former Congress councillors expelled for defying party directives, has resolved to field Maya Rahul as its candidate. Meanwhile, the UDF is anticipated to unveil its choice on Tuesday, August 18. This development adds urgency to the final days before the vote. Political maneuvering has continued even as the election approaches. One key figure, Lissykutty Mathew, a former rebel councillor, has returned to the Congress party. Her realignment follows tensions with fellow rebels over the distribution of power. Mathew had initially sought the chairperson role for herself, but others favored Maya Rahul. According to Tony Thaiparambil, a member of the Save Congress Forum, the majority of members believe the agreement made during their alliance with the UDF should guide the selection process. He stated that Ms. Rahul should be granted the next term. Despite some progress, uncertainties remain. The Save Congress Forum and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) have reached a tentative agreement regarding the chairperson’s position. However, the vice-chairperson slot is still under dispute. Internal divisions within the Save Congress Forum have surfaced, with members debating who should assume the role. Reports suggest the LDF might assert its claim to the position, though its parliamentary party leader, Biju Paloopadavan of the Kerala Congress (M), has denied interest in the post. Pressure is growing on the Kerala Congress (M) from its local councillors, who are reportedly urging the party to stake a claim. Mr. Paloopadavan noted that the LDF parliamentary party will make a decision at an appropriate time. This shift in stance by the KC(M), which previously pledged not to seek any posts and instead offer external support to the rebels, has caused confusion within the Save Congress Forum. Members such as Biju Mathews and Tony Thaiparambil had planned to jointly hold the vice-chairperson post, but their attempts to coordinate with the LDF have so far failed. The composition of the 26-member municipal council reflects the current political dynamics. The LDF holds 12 seats, including 10 from the Kerala Congress (M) and two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Adding the four members of the Save Congress Forum brings the LDF’s total to 16. In contrast, the UDF controls 10 seats, composed of two Congress members, including Ms. Mathew; three from the Kerala Congress (Joseph); one from the Kerala Democratic Party (KDP) led by Mani C. Kappen; and three from the Independent Collective, which includes members of the Pulikkakandam family. As the election nears, the political stakes continue to escalate, with multiple factions vying for influence and control. The outcome will likely shape the governance of Pala municipality for the coming years.