Thiruvananthapuram: In the by-elections held in the state’s 29 local body wards, the UDF made progress, paving the way for a change in governance in five places, but the governance crisis continues in four places.
In Ernakulam district, Kothamangalam Keerampara panchayat, the UDF captured the government from the Left Front. Both fronts had six members here. The by-election was necessitated by the disqualification of one person after defection.
Party status in the panchayat: Total seats 13, U.D.F. 7, LDF 6.
In Mutukulam gram panchayat of Alappuzha, the UDF became the largest party after capturing the ward from the BJP. Party status now: LDF – 5, UDF – 6, BJP – 3, Independent – 1. LDF is ruling here with the support of an independent member. A change of regime is only possible if no confidence is passed. In Karthikapally panchayat, BJP gained strength after winning the seat from CPM. BJP became the largest party after the result of the by-election which was held with one member disqualified for not attending the meeting. Seat Status: BJP 5, CPM 4, Congress 3, Independent 1. The panchayat is governed by LDF with the support of an independent member. Here too there are hurdles to regime change.
With UDF’s victory in Pandanad panchayat, the 13-member governing body now has BJP-5, LDF-5 and Congress-3. Unless the UDF withdraws its support, there is no possibility of regime change.
UDF in Ernakulam Vadavukode block panchayat. With the win, UDF and Twenty20 have five members each, while LDF has three members. Even if the current Twenty20 regime is overthrown by bringing a no-confidence motion with the help of the LDF, since the Congress and the Twenty20 have equal seats, draw lots and decide the winner. Otherwise LDF will have to stand with some party.