Published Jul 05, 2026 | 9:56 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 05, 2026 | 9:56 PM
Diya Binu Pulikakkandam was elected Chairperson of the Pala Municipality, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in the country.
Synopsis: The coalition of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Independent councillors ruling the Pala Municipality in Kerala’s Kottayam has been thrown into crisis after the Congress withdrew its support. The move followed a dispute over allowing the Kottaramattom Bus Stand to be used for a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) district conference, with the Congress accusing the Independent members, including Chairperson Diya Binu Pulikakkandam, of supporting the Left.
The coalition of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Independent councillors ruling the Pala Municipality in Kerala’s Kottayam has been thrown into crisis after the Congress withdrew its support.
The decision follows a dispute over permitting the Kottaramattom Bus Stand, under the Pala Municipality, to be used for a district conference of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
The Congress has accused the Independent members within the ruling front, including Chairperson Diya Binu Pulikakkandam, of supporting the Left.
Congress councillors walked out of a municipal council meeting, declaring that they could no longer work alongside the Independent group.
Subsequently, the Congress mandalam committee passed a resolution withdrawing support for the administration, stating that self-respect was more important than remaining in power.
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The development has cast uncertainty over the future of the municipal administration, which was formed after a fractured verdict in the local body election.
Neither the UDF nor the Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured a majority in the 26-member council. While the LDF holds 11 seats, the UDF has 10.
With the support of Independent members Binu Pulikakkandam, his daughter Diya Binu Pulikakkandam, his brother Biju Pulikakkandam, and two other Independents, including Congress rebel Maya Rahul, the UDF was able to form the administration.
Under the coalition’s power-sharing arrangement, 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikakkandam was elected Chairperson of the Pala Municipality, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in the country.
Diya, a graduate in Economics from Madras Christian College, contested from Ward 15 and won by a margin of 131 votes.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
