In dramatic turn, Congress in Pala municipality pulled support from independent collective led by Pulikkakandam family. This after heated council vote allowed Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) to meet at local bus stand,deepening rifts in ruling United Democratic Front (UDF).
Tensions surfaced at municipal council meeting when four coalition councillors, including two from independent group, abstained. Their absence gave opposition edge, approving DYFI's request. Congress leaders accused Pulikkakandam brothers of skipping vote to undermine party, boost Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].
After vote,Congress parliamentary leader Tony Thaiparambil voiced strong disapproval, saying party had told collective to reject DYFI's bid . Called brothers' absence betrayal,aligning with CPI(M). “This amounts to betrayal of the Congress, which helped them assume power,” Thaiparambil said. Despite chances to fix it, collective sides with CPI(M).
With these moves, six Congress councillors formally told UDF leaders they lost confidence in chairperson Diya Pulikkakandam. Sought senior UDF input before going public. UDF holds shaky majority in 26-member council, just ten councillors: six Congress, three Kerala Congress,one Kerala Democratic Party (KDP). Their control rests on independent support,one Congress rebel.
Though Congress announced support withdrawal,action waits on more talks with UDF leaders. These meetings will decide alliance's future,strained by recent events.
DYFI meeting approval has not just intensified tensions,but also questions UDF coalition's stability in Pala. As political landscape shifts, this split's impact could echo beyond municipality…
