The Left Democratic Front (LDF) lost power in the Koothattukulam municipality in Ernakulam district, Kerala, after the no-confidence motion moved by the United Democratic Front (UDF) on Tuesday (August 5, 2025) received the majority vote with the support of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] councillor Kala Raju.
The no-confidence motion against CPI(M) chairperson Vijaya Sivan was passed after Ms. Raju and independent councillor Sunil Kumar P. G supported it. The LDF was ruling the 25-member council with the support of 13 councillors, while the UDF had a strength of 11 members.
Ms. Raju had shifted her allegiance to the UDF after she was allegedly abducted by CPI(M) workers while she was on her way to cast her vote in a no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition on January 18, 2025.
My response to the incident: Kala Raju
She said on Tuesday that she would continue her support to the UDF and termed the defeat of the Left front as “her response to the incidents” that unfolded on January 18. “I was attacked and they insulted me in front of the public,” she alleged.
Ms. Raju said she “did not fear the threat” of being disqualified. “I will face it legally,” she said, while pointing out that she did not receive any whip from the CPI(M) to vote against the no-confidence motion.
Congress reaction
Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Congress MLA representing the Muvattupuzha Assembly constituency, said the LDF’s defeat was a befitting reply to “the murder of democracy” carried out by it on January 18.
Mohammed Shiyas, president of the Ernakulam District Congress Committee, said the UDF’s victory was a blow to the Left front that had “used its power to curb voices of dissent.”
CPI(M) accuses UDF of horse-trading
Sunny Kuriakose, CPI(M) councillor, accused the UDF of horse-trading to oust the Left front from power. He rejected the allegations of abduction and assault raised against the party by Ms. Raju, while reminding her that she was elected as councillor by contesting in the party symbol.
Published – August 05, 2025 01:38 pm IST
