Thrissur: In a big blow to the LDF in Thrissur Corporation amid the local body polls, Standing Committee Chairperson and councillor Sheeba Babu has joined the BJP on Thursday. The former leader of Janata Dal (S) was elected from Nadathara division.

Sheeba Babu had recently resigned from her party and announced that she would contest as an independent candidate with BJP support from the Krishnapuram division. Although the Janata Dal (S) is part of the NDA at the national level, Sheeba said she was unable to deliver on the development promises she made to her voters due to internal hurdles.

She alleged that CPM leader Varghese Kandamkulathi had blocked development funds and projects despite repeated complaints. 

“For the past one and a half years, I have not even been informed about front-level decisions. So, I decided to contest independently, and the NDA later announced their support,” Sheeba said.

She added that she would decide on formally joining the BJP later, but expressed strong confidence that victory was assured with NDA backing.

As per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission, local body polls will be held in Thrissur district on December 11.