UDF yet to finalise names

The Opposition Left front and the allies of the ruling UDF have staked their claims for the chairmen posts. Though the LDF has asked for three posts, it might be given one considering it has 30 members in the 74-member council.

The election to the eight standing committees, with nine members each, on finance, health, works, development, town planning, tax appeal, education and welfare, will be held on November 30 and the selection of chairmen will be held later. Additional district magistrate P. Padmakumar is the returning officer for the standing committee election.

“The party has entrusted the Opposition leader in the council K.J. Antony to negotiate with the mayor and the ruling bench on the selection of standing committee chairmen. In a democratic manner, the party legitimately deserves three posts. If there is no consensus on selection, we will field candidates,” said Mr P. Rajeev, CPM district committee secretary.

This term, the key four standing committees like health, town planning, development and education are reserved for men while the works, tax appeal and welfare are under general. The deputy mayor is the chairman of the finance standing committee.

The major contenders to these posts are A.B. Sabu, M.B. Muraleedharan, K. R. Premakumar and K.V.P. Krishnakumar from the Congress.

One chairman post has to be allocated to the Muslim League which had T.K. Ashraf as health committee chairman in the previous council.

Senior women leaders in the party like V.K. Minimol, Delina Pinhero, Gracy Joseph and Gracy Babu Jacob are some of the names to be considered for the posts.

Meanwhile, KPCC general secretary N. Venugopal said that talks were on and there was no chance for any disputes on seat-sharing. “The list of standing committee chairmen will be finalized by Saturday,” he said.