CPI(M) rebel P. Nirmala was elected chairperson of the Shoranur municipality on Friday after securing crucial support from the Left Democratic Front (LDF), despite the front lacking a clear majority in the council.
The LDF, which holds 17 seats in the 34-member municipality where 18 are required for a majority, backed Ms. Nirmala following pressure within the front after she demanded the chairperson’s post. Ms. Nirmala won with 18 votes, including all 17 LDF votes.
BJP candidate Sini Manoj secured 12 votes, while Congress candidate T. Seena received five votes.
Ms. Nirmala had earlier defeated CPI(M) candidate Rajani in ward 32 (Manjakad). In 2015, she had served as standing committee chairperson in the CPI(M)-led governing council.
Following the chairperson’s election, CPI(M)’s V.K. Anuraj was elected vice chairperson.
In Pattambi, UDF’s T.P. Shaji was elected chairperson and Asna Haneefa vice chairperson.
In Chittur–Thathamangalam, UDF’s Sumesha Achuthan was elected chairperson and Krishnalila vice chairperson.
In Cherpulassery, UDF’s K.T. Jamshiya was elected chairperson and C. Jayakrishnan vice chairperson.
In Ottapalam, CPI(M)’s M.K. Jayasudha was elected chairperson unopposed, as neither the UDF nor the BJP fielded a candidate for the Scheduled Caste-reserved post. CPI(M)’s K. Rajesh was elected vice chairperson.
Published – December 26, 2025 09:51 pm IST
