Pulikakandam Family Holds teh Balance of Power in Pala Municipality
The future of governance in Pala Municipality hangs in the balance as the pulikakandam family, wielding meaningful influence with three independently elected councilors, weighs its options and potentially shifts the balance of power away from the Kerala Congress (M).
pala, Kerala – Suspense continues too mount regarding the formation of the municipal administration in Pala, with the United Democratic Front (UDF) appearing poised to gain control with the tentative support of independent councilors. However, the final decision rests with the Pulikakandam family – Binu Pulikakandam, his brother Biju Pulikakandam, and Binu’s daughter, Diya Binu – who have yet to publicly commit to a coalition.
The independent members, having secured victories in wards 13, 14, and 15, recently participated in a Janasabha (public assembly) with voters, where a feeling of support for the UDF reportedly prevailed. Despite this, binu Pulikakandam has remained noncommittal, engaging in discussions with both the UDF and the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
At the heart of the negotiations are demands from Binu pulikakandam for key leadership positions. He is reportedly seeking the position of municipal chairperson for his daughter, Diya Binu, as the post is reserved for women, alongside the vice president position for himself. Discussions have reportedly included a potential arrangement where the chairperson and vice-chairperson roles would be shared over a two-year period. Further talks have explored the possibility of awarding the chairpersonship to Maya Rahul, an independent candidate, with representation from the Congress and Kerala Congress.
Should the pulikakandam family ultimately align with the UDF, a series of historic firsts could unfold in Pala. Diya Binu would become the youngest chairperson in the municipality’s history, and Pala would witness the unprecedented situation of a father and daughter both holding the positions of president and vice president. Perhaps most significantly, a ruling committee could be established on the platform of the Kerala Congress without the support of the Kerala Congress (M), potentially triggering a major crisis for the party in upcoming assembly elections.
However, Binu Pulikakandam’s continued engagement with both fronts is creating uncertainty within the UDF. “Binu’s public stance is that he will hold talks with both fronts,” a local source stated, highlighting the delicate nature of the negotiations.
The 26-member governing body is currently comprised of 12 LDF members,10 UDF members,and 4 independent members – three from the pulikakandam family and one,maya Rahul,who ran a
Why is this happening? The Kerala congress (M) has traditionally held significant sway in Pala Municipality. However, recent elections resulted in a fragmented governing body, with no single front securing a clear majority. The three independently elected councilors from the Pulikakandam family now hold the balance of power.
Who are the key players? Binu Pulikakandam, his brother Biju Pulikakandam, and his daughter Diya Binu are the central figures. The UDF and LDF are vying for their support, while the Kerala Congress (M) faces a potential loss of influence.
What is at stake? The formation of the municipal administration, key leadership positions (chairperson and vice-chairperson), and the potential for a political crisis within the Kerala Congress (M) are all on the line.
How did it end? As of the current reporting, the Pulikakandam family has not made a final decision. Negotiations are ongoing, with Binu Pulikakandam seeking leadership roles
