PALA: In a major setback for the United Democratic Front (UDF), the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) against Pala Municipal Chairperson Diya Binu was successfully passed. Capitalizing on a growing rift within the ruling council, the LDF motion sailed through after Congress councillors defied party directives and joined forces with the opposition along with an independent rebel member.
The political crisis unfolded in the 26-member council after Congress councillors and independent Vice-Chairperson Maya Rahul fell out with the independent collective led by Chairperson Diya Binu. Seeing an opportunity in the ruling coalition’s internal fallout, the LDF moved the no-confidence motion.
Voting Breakup and Attendance
- Supported the Motion: The no-confidence motion received the votes of four Congress councillors—Lissy Kutty Mathew, Biju Mathews, Tony Thaiparambil, and Rajitha Prakash—who defied party whip, along with independent rebel member Maya Rahul and the LDF members.
- Absentee Members:
- Congress: Riya Cheeramkuzhi, Sebastian Panakkal
- Kerala Congress: Sonia Chittettu, Biju Varikkani, Siji Tony
- KDP (Mani C. Kappan’s Party): Princy Sunny
Passing the no-confidence motion required a minimum threshold of 14 votes in the 26-member body. The LDF, which holds 12 seats, secured the required majority following the fracture within the 14-member ruling front (Congress – 6, Kerala Congress – 3, Independent Front – 3, KDP – 1, Maya Rahul – 1), leading to the collapse of the municipal administration.
