Kochi: Pratibha Ansari of the CPM has been elected as the new chairperson of health standing committee in Kochi Corporation. During the elections held on Wednesday, Ms. Ansari, representing Edakochi South, defeated Shameena A. R of the UDF.
The LDF district committee had earlier suggested Ms. Ansari as their candidate, to replace V.K Minimol of the UDF, who quit as the chairperson in January. Though the CPI has raised claim for the coveted post, the party later withdrawn its demand.
Minimol stepped down as the UDF lost majority in the committee and the LDF proposed to bring a no-confidence motion against her. The LDF gained majority with a councillor, who had won election as a CPM rebel, rejoining the party fold.
The health standing committee has nine members. The LDF has five councillors including one member each for the CPI and the Janta Dal. The UDF has four members in the committee.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the Brahmapuram fire and the subsequent stalemate in garbage removal, the new chairperson has to face tough challenges. The matter has to be managed in a responsible manner through negotiations with the local residents who are up in arms against the solid waste treatment plant.
