Majority in hand, but UDF doesn't have candidate for Erumeli panchayat president post

Kottayam: Despite securing a resounding victory in Erumeli Panchayat, the UDF finds itself in a political bind over the appointment of the panchayat president, a position reserved for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. With both of its ST candidates losing in the local body elections, the Congress-led alliance faces a rare challenge.

Of the 24 wards in the panchayat, the UDF won 14, while the LDF claimed seven. The BJP won two seats, while one ward went to an independent candidate. However, of the two winning ST candidates, one represents the LDF and the other the BJP, leaving the UDF with limited options. The front now faces the tough decision of either supporting an ST candidate from the LDF or the BJP or abstaining from the election of the panchayat president entirely.

However, in line with its stance of remaining neutral between the rival fronts, the UDF is inclined to abstain from voting in the panchayat president election. "The final decision will be made by the DCC and KPCC leadership, but it is likely that the UDF will abstain from voting for the president's post. A formal announcement on this regard will be made shortly," Mathew Joseph, a Congress leader and Angel Valley ward member, told Onmanorama.

Mathew further said that the UDF would not support either the BJP or the LDF under any circumstances. He also clarified that the front intends to contest the vice president's post, as it is not reserved, and it can win easily. 

Supporting any one of the rival candidates could provide them with grounds to allege political collusion, which may be used against the Congress in the upcoming assembly elections.

Fresh faces in the race
Interestingly, both contenders for the president’s post in Erumeli this time are newcomers to electoral politics. Ambily Sajeevan, who represents the LDF, hails from Pakkanam and serves as the Erumely zone president of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA). She previously held the post of CDS chairperson and rose through the Kudumbasree network. She won from the Sreenipuram ward in her first electoral contest this time by a margin of 22 votes.

K K Rajan Kalaveetil, the BJP candidate, also fought his first election this time. Having worked initially in the Revenue Department and later in the Forest Department, Rajan entered mainstream politics after retiring from government service. He retired last year as Section Forest Officer from the Azhtha Forest Range. Rajan also serves as an RSS Boudhik Pramukh and previously headed the Balagokulam. He won from the Umikkapara ward by a margin of 37 votes.