Congress rebel AV Gopinathan blamed the CPI(M) for its defeat in the Peringottkurissi panchayat. A former MLA and district Congress committee president, Mr. Gopinathan said he lost votes in several places due to internal conflicts within the CPI(M).
Mr Gopinathan, who fought under the banner of the Independent Democratic Front (IDF) in alliance with the Left Democratic Front (LDF), said his defeat was unexpected. However, he said he would continue to support the LDF.
In Ward 9, Mr. Gopinathan was defeated by 130 votes. He urged the CPI(M) to check the loss of votes.
In the 18-member Peringottkurissi panchayat, the IDF-LDF alliance secured eight seats, the UDF won seven, the BJP two and one went to an independent candidate, leaving no party or coalition with a clear majority to rule.
Mr Gopinathan said the IDF-LDF alliance would rule the panchayat.
Published – 14 Dec 2025 20:34 IST
