Rashid Ullamppilly of the United Democratic Front (UDF) has been elected chairperson in Thrikkakara municipality, defeating C.P. Sajal of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) by 29 votes to 18.
Shereena Shukkoor of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) was elected vice-chairperson, defeating Ajuna Hashim by the same margin. Two Independent councillors voted in favour of Mr. Ullamppilly, while the lone Twenty20 councillor abstained.
In the 48-member municipal council, the UDF has 27 councillors, the LDF 18, and the Twenty20 one, besides two Independents. It is for the first time since the municipality’s formation that the Congress has assigned the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson for the full term. In the past, the party opted for split terms, often leading to internal disputes.
Maradu
Ajitha Nandakumar
In Maradu municipality, five-time councillor Ajitha Nandakumar of the UDF was elected chairperson. She defeated the LDF’s K.V. Seema by 22 votes to 11. One Independent supported the UDF candidate, while two Independents abstained. Jinson Peter was elected vice-chairperson. He defeated A.U. Viju of the LDF. Ms. Nandakumar and Mr. Peter will serve for the first two-and-a-half years, after which they will be replaced by Sunila Shibi and P.P. Santhosh respectively for the remainder of the term.
In the 35-member council, the UDF has 21 councillors and the LDF 11, besides three Independents.
Eloor
Laiji Sajeevan
Laiji Sajeevan of the LDF was elected chairperson after she defeated Shaija Benny of the UDF by 15 votes to 12. A former councillor, she will lead the only civic body won by the LDF in Ernakulam. Leela Babu of the Communist Party of India was elected deputy chairperson after she defeated Suneer Kuttimakkal of the UDF by 15 votes to 12. The election was held for the second round as none of the candidates could manage to cross the half-way mark in the 32-member civic body.
Kalamassery
Jamal Manakkadan
Jamal Manakkadan was elected chairperson of Kalamassery municipality after he defeated the LDF’s K.T. Manoj by 32 votes to 13. A senior Congress leader, he had served as chairperson thrice earlier. The UDF, which won 30 seats this time, received the support of two Independents. Shareena Kamaruddin of the IUML was elected deputy chairperson after she defeated Sheeba Babu of the LDF.
Koothattukulam
Reji John Plathottathil
Reji John Plathottathil of the UDF was elected chairperson of Koothattukulam municipality after defeating Sunny Kuriakose of the LDF by 16 votes to 10. Lissy Jose of the UDF was elected vice-chairperson for the first two-year term after she defeated Bincy Bijo of the LDF by the same margin.
Kothamangalam
Bhanumathy Raju
Four-time councillor Bhanumathy Raju of the UDF was elected chairperson of Kothamangalam municipality after defeating Maria Raju of the LDF by 23 votes to 8. Prince Varkey of the UDF, a former vice-chairperson, was re-elected to the same post. It was agreed that Ms. Raju would serve as chairperson for two years, after which Manju Thomas and Sindhu Jijo would share the remaining three years equally. Mr. Varkey will also share his term with Eldhose Keecherry.
Published – December 26, 2025 08:05 pm IST
