The Pala municipal council will elect a new chairperson on August 19 following the removal of Diya Binu through a no-confidence motion. The election will be held at the municipal council hall at 11 a.m., with the Revenue Divisional Officer serving as the returning officer.

Ms. Binu, one of the youngest chairpersons of an urban local body in the country, was voted out on July 21 after a no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) was passed with the support of four Congress councillors. Her ouster resulted in the United Democratic Front (UDF), which had wrested control of the municipality from the LDF in the local body elections, losing power within six months of assuming office.

Expelled members

In the aftermath of the vote, the Congress expelled the four councillors for defying the party whip. The expelled members, along with the acting chairperson, Maya Rahul, are now expected to align with the Opposition bloc led by the Kerala Congress (M).

In the 26-member council, the LDF has 12 members. With the support of the four rebel councillors, the Opposition bloc is expected to command a majority in the council. Sources said an understanding has already been reached on the sharing of key posts.

According to sources, rebel councillors Lissykutty Mathew and Maya Rahul are likely to share the chairperson’s post for the remainder of the council’s term. The other two rebel councillors, Tony Thaiparambil and Biju Mathew, are expected to share the office of the vice-chairperson.

Published - July 30, 2026 06:54 pm IST