In an unexpected turn of events on Monday, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) seized power in Thodupuzha municipality after the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s informal arrangement with the UDF rebels on Sunday to share power collapsed.
According to sources, LDF grabbed power by awarding chairmanship to Congress rebel Saneesh George and vice-chairperson’s post to IUML-backed independent councillor Jessy John. In the 35-member council, UDF has 12, LDF 12 and BJP eight councillors, the others being two Congress rebels and Jessy. However, Congress rebel Neesa Zakir, who won from Keerikkodu ward, chose to be with the UDF, taking its strength to 13.
The LDF got the upper hand in the tussle with the support of Mr George and Ms Johny with a single member majority in the council.
On Sunday, the UDF camp had said that it would come to power in the municipal council after it made an arrangement with the rebels. As per the decisions at the UDF council meeting, the chairman post was to be given to the Kerala Congress Joseph faction for the first one year.
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