Naduvil: The United Democratic Front (UDF) has lost administration in Naduvil Panchayat in Kannur district despite having a majority. LDF is winning administration of the panchayat after 40 years.

DCC secretary Baby Odamballil, who had left UDF following disputes over panchayat president’s post, was elected to the post with the support of LDF. The UDF replacing Baby with another for the panchayat president’s post resulted in the front losing administration of Naduvil panchayat. Baby received 11 out of the 19 votes.

In the LSG polls, the UDF had secured 11 votes. LDF won 7 seats while a Congress rebel independent candidate won 1 seat. Following disputes, Baby Odamballil and two others left Congress and joined Kerala Congress Jose faction. In the panchayat president election, the 7 LDF members, the duo who left Congress and the rebel voted for Baby.

A DCC General secretary, Baby has been a member of Naduvil panchayat and chairman of the standing committee for the last 10 years.

DCC president Satheesan Pacheny said that three including Baby, who violated the whip, have been suspended. He added that the DCC will take legal action against the trio.