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Rebel Bloc Topples LDF in Mattathur as BJP Backs Independent President

State leaders pursue suspensions with an Election Commission complaint over alleged whip violations.

In the recent local body elections, the LDF won 10 seats, the UDF eight, the NDA four, while two independents were elected.
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Overview

  • Independent Tessy Jose Kallarakkal won the Mattathur panchayat presidency 12–11 with votes from eight resigned Congress members and three BJP councillors, with one BJP vote ruled invalid.
  • The eight Congress ward members quit minutes before the vote, shifting control from the LDF after 23 years in the 24-member local body.
  • KPCC president Sunny Joseph suspended DCC general secretary T. M. Chandran and mandalam president Shafi Kalluparambil, and the district committee said it will petition the Election Commission under anti-defection provisions.
  • Tessy Jose Kallarakkal and suspended Congress leaders denied joining the BJP and disputed that a formal whip was issued, describing the move as a local political decision.
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) leaders alleged a Congress–BJP understanding, while a local BJP leader said the Congress members sought BJP support after quitting.