[ad_1]
The Congress in Attappady’s Agali grama panchayat heaved a sigh of relief following the resignation of its member N.K. Manju as panchayat president. By assuming the presidency with the support of nine Left Democratic Front (LDF) members, Ms. Manju had not only embarrassed the party but also forced it to consider legal action.
The Congress district leadership has opted to forgive her, viewing her actions as those of an inexperienced individual, rather than taking punitive measures or expressing vindictiveness.
District Congress Committee president A. Thankappan said that the party would not take any action against Ms. Manju. He said that the party would remain more vigilant to prevent a recurrence of such situations.
In the 2015 and 2020 local body elections, the LDF had dominated the Agali panchayat. However, in the recent elections, the United Democratic Front (UDF) gained the upper hand by winning 10 of the 21 seats, while the LDF secured nine and the BJP two. With the BJP maintaining a neutral non-supportive stance towards both the UDF and the LDF, the UDF is in a comfortable position to govern the panchayat in spite of falling one seat short of a majority.
The UDF nominated Sibu Cyriac for the president’s post in Agali. But Ms. Manju, elected from Chinnaparamba (Ward 20) on the Congress symbol, spoiled the plan by getting elected as president with the support of the LDF. Her move drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including leaders of the Christian community. Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil, founder-director of the Sehion Retreat Centre in Attappady, was among those who condemned her action.
Under pressure from the Congress’ ultimatum, she stepped down on Monday, paving the way for the UDF’s return to power in Agali. However, with 10 UDF members, including Ms. Manju, alongside the LDF’s nine and the BJP’s two, governance in the panchayat is unlikely to be smooth.
Published – December 30, 2025 08:58 pm IST
[ad_2]
Source link
