KOCHI: Rukhia Jamal of the Congress 'I' faction was sworn in as the new chairperson of Kalamassery municipality on Monday replacing Jessy Peter of the 'A' faction.
Ms Jamal, the wife of former municipal chairman Jamal Manakkadan, assumed office after months-long political uncertainty and factional feud. Ms Jamal defeated LDF candidate Henny Baby by 12 votes.
Ms Baby secured only 15 votes as against Ms Jamal's 27, including four independent members.
The grapevine is that Mr Jamal, a KPCC member, used his political influence to overthrow Ms Peter.
With the new chairperson, there will be a reshuffling in standing committees. The three standing committees led by the ‘I’ faction will go to the A faction.
Shainy Antony will be health committee chairperson, Laiby Babu will head development committee and Martin Thayankerry the welfare committee.
