Pala municipal chairman Shaju Thuruthan was ousted from his post after the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) councillors voted in favour of a no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) on Friday.
Though the UDF proposed the motion, its councillors abstained from voting, citing the chairman’s poor health. Mr. Thuruthan was admitted to hospital a day before the vote due to health issues. However, in a surprising turn of events, the LDF members voted to pass the motion, removing their own chairman.
As part of a deal
The LDF councillors had formally demanded that Mr. Thuruthan resign on Thursday, but he refused. Mr. Thuruthan, a member of the Kerala Congress (M), assumed charge a year ago, succeeding Josin Bino of the CPI(M) as part of a power-sharing agreement within the coalition. According to the arrangement, he was supposed to step down after a year to make way for Thomas Peter of the KC(M). Despite repeated demands from party chairman Jose K. Mani himself, Mr. Thuruthan refused to quit.
The UDF moved the no-confidence motion citing administrative impasse. In the 26-member council, the LDF holds a majority with 16 members, including 10 KC(M) councillors, five CPI(M) councillors, and a CPI councillor.
Published – February 14, 2025 08:54 pm IST