Kerala MLA Ramya Haridas scuffle costs UDF as LDF wrests Anjuthengu Ward in bypoll

Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) suffered a major political setback in the Chirayinkeezhu block panchayat after the Left Democratic Front (LDF) wrested the sitting Anjuthengu ward in the recent local body by-election. LDF candidate Bijimol S clinched victory with a margin of 359 votes, pushing the Congress candidate to second place.

The defeat comes in the direct backdrop of a high-profile physical altercation involving Chirayinkeezhu MLA Ramya Haridas and District Panchayat member Sajith Muttappalam, which severely bruised the party's local standing.

Origin of the conflict

The crisis began during an official Chirayinkeezhu block panchayat meeting, where MLA Ramya Haridas was accompanied by her aide Palayam Pradeep. Objections were raised over Pradeep's presence at a formal gathering intended strictly for elected representatives and administrative officers.

Congress block general secretary Sajjad subsequently posted a message in a party WhatsApp group strongly criticising Pradeep's participation in government proceedings.

Late-night altercation and party action

Escalating the dispute, Ramya Haridas, accompanied by Pradeep and supporters, arrived at Sajjad’s residence late on Friday night. Reports indicate that an argument erupted when the MLA’s group attempted to make Sajjad’s daughter read out the contentious social media post aloud.

The situation deteriorated rapidly after District Panchayat member Sajith Muttappalam and local party workers arrived at the spot, leading to a physical scuffle. Mobile footage recorded by both factions quickly went viral across digital platforms, prompting formal police complaints from both sides.

Following widespread public scrutiny and internal discord, Congress leadership issued suspension orders for Palayam Pradeep and local leader Sajjad. However, the political damage translated directly to the ballot box, enabling the LDF to seize the sitting UDF ward.