Congress is facing a rude jolt in local politics in Kerala, just months after its win in the state assembly elections held in May. The Paal municipality changed hands on Tuesday after a no-confidence motion, backed by the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), was passed, ending the rule of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Four Congress councillors break ranks
The no-confidence motion against chairperson Diya Beenu Pulikkakandam was passed with 17 votes in favour. What made the difference was that four Congress councillors ignored the party whip and voted for the motion, a defection that proved decisive in toppling the UDF administration. The rebel councillors say they were never issued a formal whip by the party, and that they acted in line with a decision taken by the local Congress committee. They also claimed that Congress still retains influence within the Paal municipality and that the party has a real chance of returning to power there.
Diya Beenu's response after losing the post
Diya Beenu, counted among the youngest municipal chairpersons in the country, lost her post as a result of the no-confidence vote. She said she accepted the democratic outcome and pointed out that no allegation of corruption, misuse of government funds, bribery, nepotism or any illegal activity against her was ever proven during her tenure. She added that every decision she took as chairperson was guided by the law, transparency and public interest.
Posts are temporary, principles are permanent
Diya Beenu thanked municipal officials, staff, fellow councillors and the public, saying a public post is not power but a responsibility entrusted by the people. She said posts come and go, but honesty and principles stay with a person always. She also made clear that despite losing the chair, she will continue serving the public as an elected councillor and keep working for transparency and the rule of law.
A setback for Congress, a strategic gain for LDF
The developments in Paal municipality are being read as a sign of internal friction within Congress in Kerala's local politics. Four of the party's own councillors switching sides to support a rival-backed motion points to discontent within the organisation at the grassroots level. For the LDF, the episode counts as a significant strategic win, coming just months after Congress had won the state assembly elections in May. Losing power at the local level so soon after that state-level victory is being seen as an embarrassment for the party.
