The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made history by capturing power in two grama panchayats in the district and retaining control of the Palakkad municipality for a third consecutive term. The party has come to power in the Akathethara and Pudur grama panchayats, ending decades-long CPI(M) rule in both local bodies.
In the Akathethara grama panchayat in the Malampuzha Assembly constituency, represented in the past by former Chief Ministers and CPI(M) stalwarts like E.K. Nayanar and V.S. Achuthanandan, the BJP wrested power by bringing an end to 38 years of CPI(M) rule. The BJP secured 10 seats in the 19-member panchayat, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) won eight seats and the United Democratic Front (UDF) one.
The BJP had opened its account in Akathethara in 2005 with two seats. It increased its tally to five in 2015 and seven in 2020, before capturing power this time with a clear majority of 10 seats.
P. A. Bindu, who won from Ward 5 (Thekkethara), was elected panchayat president on Saturday. The post, reserved for a Scheduled Caste woman, saw her secure 10 votes. G. Sujith, BJP president of the Malampuzha constituency committee, was elected vice-president.
In the Pudur panchayat in Attappady, the BJP ended LDF rule by winning eight of the 14 wards. C. Thankavel was elected president, while M. Pushpa was chosen as vice-president.a
Published – December 27, 2025 07:28 pm IST
