UDF remains a divided house in Perumbavoor municipality

With just a day remaining for the election of chairperson and deputy chairperson following the local body polls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Perumbavoor municipality remains a divided house. Day-long discussions on Wednesday (December 24, 2025) on who should be chosen for the top posts remained inconclusive, with local leaders lobbying for different councillors, Congress sources said.

While second-term councillors Anitha Devi S.R., Jessy Agi, and Annie Martin remained the top contenders for the post of chairperson, which has been reserved for women this time, the surprise entry of Sangeetha K.V., who has won her maiden term, as a potential candidate made the selection process more complicated. Sources said the name of Ms. Sangeetha, representing the Pooppany ward, was proposed by a section of local leaders.

The administrative experience of Ms. Martin, who was the deputy chairperson in the previous council, and Ms. Agi, who was the chairperson of the education standing committee during her previous term of 2015-2020, is being projected as their key qualification by those backing them. 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. Notably, Ms. Sangeetha has also emerged winner defeating the BJP candidate.

With multiple contenders for the key post, it has become almost evident that the municipality is likely to witness yet another term of shared chairpersonship, sources indicated.

The selection of vice chairperson has also become a tough nut to crack for the Congress, with three councillors, including former chairperson Biju John Jacob, staking claim for the post, sources said. Others in the race are Shaji Kunnathan and M.E. Najeeb.

Senior Congress leaders Benny Berhanan, MP, and Eldhose Kunnappilly, MLA, were part of the marathon discussions. The talks are scheduled to resume on Thursday morning.

The heads of local bodies are scheduled to be elected on December 26. The UDF has retained power in Perumbavoor municipality winning 16 wards, including two Independents backed by the front, in the 29-member civic body. The Left Democratic Front won 11 wards and the National Democratic Alliance two.