Three emerge as contenders for chairperson’s post in Perumbavoor

After completing five years that saw three chairpersons, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has retained power in Perumbavoor municipality winning 16 wards, including two Independents backed by the front, in the 29-member civic body. Choosing a chairperson for the next term now remains a challenge before the Congress with the post reserved for women in the upcoming council.

Though the party is yet to initiate official talks over the selection, insiders point to three senior councillors as potential contenders for the chair. Those projected to be in the race are Annie Martin, Jessy Agi, and Anitha Devi S.R. It is the second term for all the three as councillors, while the remaining six women from the Congress have been elected for the first time.

Ms. Martin was a deputy chairperson in the previous council. Ms. Agi was the chairperson of the education standing committee during her previous term of 2015-2020.

The administrative experience of Ms. Martin and Ms. Agi is being projected as their key qualification by those backing them for the post. Those who have pitched Ms. Anitha Devi’s name as a potential contender have highlighted the political significance of her repeated wins from the Neelamkulangara ward where the BJP has been a predominant force. Ms. Martin was elected from Taluk Hospital ward this time, after representing Asramam ward in the previous term. One ward was added to the municipality this time following delimitation.

The Congress leadership in the locality has termed the discussions mere speculations and said that the party was yet to start formal talks on the selection of the municipal head.

Party insiders, however, hinted at the possibility of yet another tenure with the chair shared among at least two of the probables.

Biju John Jacob, one of the three chairpersons during the previous term, M.E. Najeeb, and Shaji Kunnathan were among the probables for the deputy chairperson’s post, Congress insiders said. It is not yet clear if the IUML, which has two councillors, including an Independent backed by it, will stake claim for the post. The Left Democratic Front won 11 wards and the National Democratic Alliance two in Perumbavoor in the recent polls.