Congress rebel P K Ragesh is Deputy Mayor of Kannur Municipal Corporation

Kannur: Congress rebel P. K. Ragesh is the new deputy mayor of the Kannur Municipal Corporation. In the election on Thursday, he got 28 votes against 27 voted bagged by his opponent and former deputy mayor C. Sameer of IUML. Both sides ensured that all their votes are cast as LDF and UDF have 27 councillors each, and a missing vote could tilt the balance.

After the declaration of results, the CPM leaders including district secretary P Jayarajan, state committee member M.V Jayarajan and Prakashan Master garlanded Mr Ragesh. The post was vacant following Mr Sameer’s resignation ahead of a no-confidence motion moved by the LDF on June 13.

The youngest corporation, created last year, is headed by a CPM mayor thanks to Mr Ragesh's support. However, he supported the UDF for deputy mayor and various standing committees with the hope of reconciliation. But his candidature against IUML candidate in Azhikode in the assembly polls pushed them to a point of no return, prompting the LDF to move the motion. Mr Ragesh has since formed United Democratic Protection Committee, of Congress rebels.