After 20 years, UDF reclaims Perambra where Shafi Parambil was assaulted

Perambra (Kozhikode): A strong UDF wave swept through Perambra, where MP Shafi Parambil was assaulted in October, enabling the alliance to regain control of the panchayat after two decades. Elections were held to 19 wards, and the result is particularly relevant as Perambra falls under the Assembly constituency of LDF convener and MLA T P Ramakrishnan.

The only previous UDF administration in Perambra was between 2000 and 2005, when Alice Mathew of the Congress served as president.

In the previous term, CPM’s V K Pramod had become president with a nine-seat majority in the 19-member panchayat. At that time, the LDF had won 14 seats, while the UDF secured five. In the term prior to that, the BJP had managed to win one seat from the Kallode area.

There was no BJP representation in the outgoing council. This time, however, the BJP contested in all wards.

The area gives equal importance to both urban and rural regions.

As part of the delimitation process, two additional wards were created, leading to changes in the structure of other wards. The panchayat now stretches from Ward 1 at Chenayi, through Kallode, Pandikkode and Marutheri, covering Perambra town, and extends to Edavarad as Ward 21 in the Eravattur area.

The incident in which MP Shafi Parambil was baton-charged by the police during a UDF protest in Perambra town emerged as a key campaign issue for the alliance.