The LDF can remain in power unless the BJP and the UDF jointly decide to move a no-confidence motion against the ruling front.
The LDF can remain in power unless the BJP and the UDF jointly decide to move a no-confidence motion against the ruling front.
The BJP made an impressive performance in the by-elections to six local bodies in the district by winning two seats in Tripunithura Municipality and retaining one seat in Kochi Corporation.
BJP’s victory in Elmanathopil and Pisharikovil seats in Thripunithura municipality has put the ruling LDF in a precarious position as the BJP, Congress and an independent will have a combined strength of 26 seats against the LDF’s 23.
From LDF, BJP’s Valli Ravi secured 363 votes, while CPI(M)’s T. Padesh got 325 votes and Indian National Congress’s Shibu Malayal got 70 votes.
The LDF can remain in power unless the BJP and the UDF jointly decide to move a no-confidence motion against the ruling front. Political compulsions may prevent both the BJP and the UDF from coming together to oust the LDF from power.
In Pisharikovil ward, BJP candidate Rathi Raju got 468 votes while Sangeeta Sumesh of CPI(M) secured around 452 votes. Indian National Congress’s Shobhana Thampi who came third got 251 votes.
However, the victory posted by Padmaja Menon in the Ernakulam South seat will not leave any impact on the ruling government in the Kochi corporation as the BJP had five seats in the council earlier. BJP councilor Mini R. After Menon’s death, a by-election was held in the division.
While Ms Menon got 974 votes, her nearest rival Anita S Warrier got 899 votes and LDF candidate S. Ashwathi got 328 votes.
LDF’s NO Babu won in Wembili ward of Kunnathunad gram panchayat, while UDF’s Jobi Nellakkara won in Athani town ward of Nedumbassery gram panchayat.
While Mr Babu got 520 votes, his nearest rival Aldho Paul of Twenty20 got 381 votes and CP George of Indian National Congress got 284 votes.
In Athani Town, Mr. Nellakkara got 709 votes and an independent candidate MP Antony got 435 votes. BJP candidate Joshi Pauloj got only 34 votes.
In Myloor ward, KK Hussain of the Indian National Congress won the seat and secured 647 votes, while his nearest rival, an independent candidate Shibu Varki came close to him by winning 622 votes.