It's a losing game in local bodies for Congress and Kerala Congress (M)

Thiruvananthapuram: Both the Congress and the KC (M) will lose a sizable number of seats in the local bodies with the latter quitting the UDF. The loss will be the maximum in Kottayam district. The KC (M) and the Congress are ruling in 40 panchayats and nine block panchayats in Kottayam. KC (M) sources told DC that KC (M) has the majority in Pala municipality.

“Mani had told the leaders of the local bodies at the Charalkunnu camp to maintain the status quo. But at the same time they were allowed to decide to keep or break the alliance with the Congress. The local leaders have to take up the issue with the top leadership of the KC (M),” said a source. Except Pala municipality, the KC (M) would lose the majority in 16 panchayats too.

The Congress would lose the panchayat president’s post in Kottayam and 14 seats there. Out of the total 21 seats in Kottayam district, Congress would lose eight and KC (M) six. After Kottayam, the most affected district is Idukki. Kattapana and Thodupuzha municipalities are also currently ruled by the KC (M). If the Congress loses the KC (M) support, the UDF rule in these two municipalities is uncertain. Similarly, local bodies in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha and Kozhikode will face trouble in the coming days.