THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF reinforced its supremacy in city corporation as Rani Vikraman of CPM won the Vazhottukonam by polls for 689 votes. While Rani alias Helen, the widow of last councillor Moonnamoodu Vikraman secured 2609 votes, UDF candidate Satheesh Chandran finished in second position with 1920 votes.
BJP’s Sivasankaran Nair was pushed to third position with just 939 votes.
During the local body elections held in 2015, Monnamoodu Vikraman had defeated BJP’s heavy weight MR Rajeev by 750 votes. However with Mr Rajeev not contesting Rani was clearly seen as hot favourite.
Around 70 per cent votes were polled in three centres during bypolls. Mrs Vikraman was not part of the celebrations that happened soon after the victory.
Moonnamoodu Vikraman had passed away soon after his first council meeting.
He was hospitalised after experiencing uneasiness during a public function. The LDF have 42 councilors in corporation and the opposition BJP has 34 councilors.
Meanwhile in Ayikkudi ward bypolls at Kadakkavoor Gramapanchayat, S Sheela (CPM) defeated Mukesh Kumar (BJP) for 52 votes.
