Congress loses power for first time in Peringottukurissi

The Congress lost power in the Peringottukurissi grama panchayat for the first time in 60 years on Saturday when Pramod, backed by a combine of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Independent Democratic Front (IDF), was elected president of the panchayat governing body. The LDF entered into an alliance with the IDF, a front floated by former Congress leader A.V. Gopinathan. Though Mr. Gopinathan was defeated in the local body elections, he played a key role in dislodging the Congress rule in the panchayat for the first time. CPI(M) nominee Pramod secured nine votes in the election for panchayat president, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate received seven votes. The LDF-IDF combine has eight members in the panchayat, followed by the UDF with seven, the BJP with two, and one CPI(M) rebel member. With no front enjoying a clear majority, both the UDF and the LDF-IDF combine attempted to woo the CPI(M) rebel to gain control of the council. However, the LDF-IDF combine ensured control of the panchayat by securing the support of rebel member Greeshma, who was elected vice president. As part of the agreement, she will continue in the vice president’s post for the full five-year term. However, as per the agreement between the LDF and the IDF, the president’s post will be shared. Mr. Pramod will hold the office for the first two-and-a-half years, after which an IDF nominee of Mr. Gopinathan will take over for the remaining term. Published - December 27, 2025 08:01 pm IST

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