Crisis in Pala municipality: LDF tables no-confidence motion amid ruling coalition collapse

Pala: The ruling coalition in Pala Municipality has been plunged into a deep crisis following an open declaration by Congress councillors that they are withdrawing support for the local administration. Seizing on the chaos, the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) has launched a surprise political gambit by moving a no-confidence motion against Municipality Chairperson Diya Binu Pulikkakkandam.

While internal friction has been simmering within the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition for over the last 1 month, the LDF had previously refrained from forcing a showdown. However, opposition leader Biju Palupadavan has now formally submitted the no-confidence notice, banking on the hope that disgruntled elements within the ruling faction will vote with the opposition to topple the local government.

Also read: Stalemate in Pala Municipality: Congress withdraws support for Pulickakandam family  

This is not the first time Chairperson Diya Binu has faced a mutiny. Earlier, six disgruntled ruling coalition councillors had written to the UDF leadership stating they had lost faith in her leadership, alleging that three independent councillors from the influential Pulikkakkandam family were running the municipality with a "dictatorial attitude," leaving other coalition members completely sidelined. Though that initial rebellion was defused through conciliation talks, the crisis has now reignited with greater intensity.

The UDF currently clings to power in the 26-member council with a fragile majority of 14 seats, heavily reliant on the backing of the three Pulikkakkandam independents. The LDF sits just behind with 12 seats. With 14 votes required to pass the motion and meet quorum, the opposition is highly confident that cross-voting from fractured ruling benches will hand them control of the municipality.