Congress rebel is chairman and UDF Independent vice-chairpersonIn an unexpected turn of events on Monday, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) seized power in Thodupuzha municipality after the United Democratic Front (UDF)’s informal arrangement with the UDF rebels on Sunday to share power collapsed. In the 35 member council, UDF has 13 seats, LDF 12, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) eight and there are two Congress rebels. On Monday, Congress rebel Saneesh George became the municipal chairman and UDF Independent Jessy Johny was sworn in as the vice-chairperson. Though Thodupuzha was considered a stronghold of the Joseph faction, it could win only two of the seven seats it had contested. The Congress rebels and an IUML Independent raised objections leading to the developments on Monday.

Source: The Hindu December 28, 2020 18:09 UTC