BJP’s P. Smithesh elected Palakkad municipal chairperson

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained control of the Palakkad municipality for a third consecutive term on Friday as its chairperson candidate P. Smithesh defeated nominees of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Mr. Smithesh was elected municipal chairperson with 25 votes, while UDF candidate Shajo John secured 19. In the first round of the election, LDF candidate Radhakrishnan received 10 votes, including one from Independent councillor Rasheed, a UDF rebel.

The LDF’s nine councillors boycotted the final round of the election. The BJP’s T. Baby was elected vice-chairperson, securing 25 votes, while UDF candidate Rizwana received 18. Independent member Rasheed voted for the UDF candidate in the final round.

Late arrival

However, UDF councillor Prasobh was not allowed to vote as he arrived late for polling. BJP councillors protested when he arrived in the council hall, following which the returning officer asked him to leave the hall.

The BJP has 25 members in the 53-member municipal council, while the UDF has 18 and the LDF nine. In 2015, the party secured 24 seats in the 52-member council. It increased its tally to 28 in 2020.

However, the BJP fell two seats short of a majority this time. Nevertheless, as the party with the largest number of councillors, it will continue to rule the municipality.

No LDF-UDF tie-up

Although there were discussions between the UDF and the LDF about joining hands to dislodge the BJP from power, the proposal did not materialise as the State leaderships of both fronts were not in favour of it.

Chairperson P. Smithesh and vice-chairperson T. Baby were sworn in following the elections. Several BJP leaders, including party State vice-president C. Krishnakumar and Palakkad East district president Prasanth Sivan, attended the function.