Congress–BJP alliance secures vice president post in Mattathur Panchayat

Mattathur: In a repeat of last year’s political manoeuvring, Congress member Mini Teacher has been elected vice president of Mattathur Panchayat with BJP support. Contesting under the hand symbol, Mini secured votes from seven Congress members and four BJP members, while two UDF members abstained, signalling a behind-the-scenes alliance.

Earlier, the same combination had helped Congress win both the president and vice president posts. Vice president Nurjahan had resigned quietly amid the controversy, whereas dissident Congress president Tessy Jose did not step down.

Currently, LDF holds 11 seats in Mattathur Panchayat, including support from an independent, Congress has nine members, and BJP four. In Friday’s vice president election, the BJP did not field a candidate, and Mini received crucial support from her party colleagues. Linto Jose Palliparamban did not vote, and Akshay Santosh abstained. The contest ended in an 11–11 tie between LDF candidate Bindu Manoj Kumar and Mini, with Mini winning through a draw.