Independent councillor Jose Chellappan, elected from Mangalam ward, has decided to extend “conditional support” to the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Alappuzha municipality.
With his backing, the UDF – which emerged as the single largest bloc with 23 seats in the 53-member council – is set to form the administrative council. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) follows closely with 22 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured five seats, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) have won one seat each.
As no front has a clear majority, the Independent councillor’s decision proved decisive. Both the UDF and the LDF had approached Mr. Chellappan seeking his support. Speaking to mediapersons on Monday he had made it clear that his backing would go to the front that agreed to implement a development charter prepared by a ward-level ‘friends committee,’ aimed at the overall development of the municipality. He said the UDF provided a written assurance accepting the charter, following which he decided to support the front.
Mr. Chellappan said that he would vote in favour of the UDF in the election to the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson of the municipality, scheduled for December 26. The post of municipal chairperson in the Alappuzha municipality is reserved for women. UDF sources said Chellappan would be offered the vice-chairperson’s post, with an announcement expected after the parliamentary party meeting.
PDP decision soon
Meanwhile, S. Faizal of the PDP, who won from Lajaneth ward, said discussions were continuing and that the party would take a final decision on whether to support the UDF or the LDF in the next couple of days. However, the PDP’s support is unlikely to make a difference. Both the UDF and the LDF are also unlikely to seek the support of the lone SDPI councillor.
Published – December 22, 2025 09:15 pm IST
