No Candidate for Reserved Seat; Congress–BJP Boycott Delays Panchayat President Election

Alappuzha: In Veeyapuram, Haripad, the president’s election did not take place as the UDF and BJP parties stayed away. The election was postponed due to lack of quorum. In the panchayat, where the president’s post is reserved for a Scheduled Caste woman, the UDF and BJP allegedly acted in tandem to prevent LDF’s P. Omana from becoming president.

The UDF does not currently have a Scheduled Caste woman member. Attempts to arrange a Scheduled Caste certificate for one woman member failed, following which the election was boycotted.

In the 14-member governing committee, the party strength is: LDF – 5, UDF – 6, and BJP – 3. The Returning Officer stated that the meeting to elect the president will be convened again on the next working day, Monday, and the president will be elected based on the majority of those present.