Power-sharing row sparks fresh turmoil in Pala municipality

Barely a week after a fragile truce appeared to ease tensions within the United Democratic Front (UDF)-led council in Pala municipality, the power-sharing dispute that has rocked the coalition seems poised to flare up once again.

As per a power-sharing agreement reached among the coalition partners, Independent councillor and Congress rebel Maya Rahul is scheduled to step down as vice-chairperson on June 26, which will pave the way for a Congress nominee to assume the post. However, sources indicate that Ms. Maya is unlikely to resign as planned, a move that could further strain the already fragile equations within the ruling front.

In the 26-member council, the UDF secured power with the support of the independent collective led by the Pulikkakandam family and Ms. Maya. Under the original agreement, the vice-chairperson’s post was allotted to Ms. Maya for the first six months, followed by two-year terms for independent collective members Binu Pulikkakandam and his brother Biju Pulikkakandam. The remaining two-and-a-half years were to be shared between representatives of the Congress and Kerala Congress (Joseph).

However, the arrangement came under strain following a series of disagreements and public confrontations between Congress councillors and members of the independent collective. With tensions escalating, the district Congress leadership stepped in and renegotiated the power-sharing formula. Under the revised understanding, the vice-chairperson’s post was to pass directly to the Congress after Ms. Maya’s tenure ended.

The Congress leadership, however, is yet to finalise its nominee for the post. Among the six Congress councillors, Biju Mathews and Sebastian Panackal have emerged as the frontrunners. While a section of the Congress reportedly favours Mr. Mathews, members of the independent collective are said to be opposed to his candidature in view of a police complaint filed against the Pulikkakandam brothers in connection with an alleged assault case.

Unable to reach a consensus

Caught between competing interests, the Congress leadership has so far been unable to arrive at a consensus. Party councillors have reportedly advised Ms. Maya to continue in office until a final decision is taken.

“Maya Rahul will resign only after the Congress leadership takes a decision on the new vice-chairperson. If she resigns now, the post will remain vacant until the Congress finalises its candidate,” a Congress leader said.

Meanwhile, fresh concerns have emerged over the stability of the ruling front, with reports suggesting that Mr. Pulikkakandam is reluctant to continue supporting the UDF unless the case against him is withdrawn. Such a move could significantly alter the balance of power in the council, as the UDF would risk losing its majority if his support is withdrawn.

Sources said the Congress leadership is closely watching the developments and is likely to take a final call on the vice-chairperson’s post only after receiving clarity on the stance of independent collective.