Thrissur: The CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) suffered an unexpected setback in the Thrissur Corporation elections, with the ruling front, which had governed the civic body for two consecutive terms, reduced to 11 seats. The defeat of writer Lissy and former mayor Ajitha Jayarajan, both seen as potential mayoral contenders if the LDF had retained power, dealt a major blow to the Left.

Lissy, who contested from the Lalur division, faced a decisive defeat and failed to mount a serious challenge against the Congress. Congress candidate Lali James secured 2,483 votes, while Lissy managed 956 votes. In another setback, former mayor Ajitha Jayarajan, who had led during the initial rounds of counting, eventually slipped behind, with NDA candidate Vinshi Arunkumar emerging victorious.

The results underscored the failure of the LDF’s decision to field Lissy, a resident of Aranattukara, from the Lalur division. Lalur was a women’s reservation ward in this election. Although there had been indications that Lissy might contest as an independent, the district leadership later opted to field her under the party symbol. A former Chief Manager of CSB Bank, Lissy has not held any formal party position.