LDF seeks trust vote as UDF rift deepens in Kerala’s Pala

File photo of Binu Pulikkandam, his daughter Diya Binu and brother Biju Pulikkandam – an independent collective that supports municipal governance in Pala. | Photo credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

Sensing an opportunity in the deepening crisis within the United Democratic Front (UDF), the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has taken its first decisive step to challenge the ruling dispensation in Pala municipality.

On Thursday (July 9, 2026), opposition leader and Kerala Congress (M) councilor Biju Palooppadavan moved a no-confidence motion against village chairperson Diya Binu, paving the way for a trust vote. The notice addressed to the deputy director of the department of local self-government has the signature of all 12 opposition councilors.

The move is also expected to win the support of six members of Congress, who have already withdrawn their support for the three-member independent panel, which includes the Speaker.

“This is not a bid for power”

Mr Palooppadavan confirmed the development and sought to portray the move as a political intervention rather than a power grab. “The UDF itself is in the midst of a crisis and the municipality has practically ceased to function. When the young chairman took office, the opposition extended its support to ensure stable governance, but the ruling front itself seems to be in the shallows. This motion of no confidence is not an attempt by the opposition to grab power, but a move made on the basis of political ethics,” he said.

He argued that the municipality had been paralyzed by weeks of political uncertainty and administrative shifting. He also noted that the Congress, with only six members in the 26-member council, was not in a position to file a no-confidence motion on its own. However, the party is expected to support the LDF-sponsored proposal when it comes up for discussion.

Only last week, the local congress committee formally withdrew its support to the Independent Collective, which supports the Pala Municipal Administration, saying that protecting the party’s self-respect was more important than clinging to power. The decision effectively stripped the ruling front of its political stability and gave the opposition the opening it had been waiting for. Adding to the intrigue was the fact that the Congress leadership at the district and state levels decided not to interfere in the consensus negotiations even after several days.

Speculation abounds

The unfolding drama further fueled speculation of a possible thaw in relations between the Congress and the KC(M), estranged allies with a shared political heritage in central Kerala.

More policy options are now believed to be under discussion. One of the scenarios explored is the elevation of a Congress rebel to the post of chairman with the outside support of the KC(M). Such an arrangement would allow the KC(M) to shape the future of the civic body without formally re-uniting with the Congress or the UDF. At the same time, it would help the regional party to advance its longer-term goal of preventing the Independent collective from consolidating its influence on Palau’s civic administration.

Published – 9 Jul 2026 19:38 IST