With no party securing a clear majority in the Alappuzha municipality, both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) are engaged in intense negotiations to form the administrative council.
In the 53-member council, the UDF has emerged as the single largest bloc with 23 seats, followed closely by the LDF with 22. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won five seats, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and an Independent have secured one seat each.
Both the UDF and the LDF are vying for the support of Independent councillor Jose Chellappan, who was elected from Mangalam ward, and S. Faizal of the PDP, who won from Lajaneth ward. Sources said both fronts have offered Mr. Chellappan the post of vice-chairperson, though he is yet to take a final decision.
“I will take a final decision on whether to support the UDF or the LDF in the coming days,” Mr. Chellappan said. Echoing similar views, Mr. Faizal said discussions were continuing and the PDP would announce its “stand shortly”.
IUML stakes claim
Meanwhile, both the UDF and the LDF are unlikely to seek the support of the lone SDPI councillor. Within the UDF, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has also staked a claim for the post of vice-chairperson. The Congress is understood to be considering offering the IUML the chairpersonship of the Health Standing Committee as part of internal negotiations.
The post of the municipal chairperson in the Alappuzha municipality is reserved for women.
Published – December 17, 2025 08:33 pm IST
