LDF losts power in Chokkad panchayat

MALAPPURAM : The LDF lost power in Chokkad panchayat in Malappuram district after the no-trust motion moved in against the panchayat president representing CPM was passed on Wednesday.
In Chokkad panchayat, congress has eight members, CPM six members and Muslim League has four members. The CPM was ruling the panchayat with the support of eight congress members as there was drift within UDF in Chokkad.As the issues between Muslim League and Congress resolved through bilateral talks, the no-confidence motion brought in by UDF on Wednesday was supported by eight members of congress and four Muslim League members.
It was difference of opinion among UDF’s local leaders during the last local body election that paved the way for CPM to power in the panchayat, which is still a strong hold of UDF.Congress and Muslim League had roped in their own candidates as UDF system was not functioning in panchayat.
After election congress party emerged single largest party securing a total of 8 seats out of 18. CPM won six seats and Muslim League won four seats. But, CPM came to power as the IUML supported CPM candidate in the election for president post of panchayat. Four members of IUML supported CPM candidate in the election to the post of Vice President too. But congress candidate Anikkootil Unnikrishnan managed to win the election when three CPM members abstained from voting.
On Tuesday, Unnikrishnan had resigned from the post as part of the agreement within the UDF, prior to the no-trust motion against president.