Dramatic scenes mark election of Kasaragod district panchayat president

KASARAGOD

Amid dramatic scenes and protests over a United Democratic Front (UDF) member being denied the right to vote, Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Sabu Abraham was elected Kasaragod district panchayat president on Saturday. He secured nine votes as against seven polled by the Congress’ J.S. Somasekara.

The election began at 10.30 a.m. The controversy erupted when UDF member Irfan Iqbal, representing the Manjeswaram division, was not permitted to vote, triggering allegations by the UDF that she was deliberately prevented from participating in the election.

District Collector K. Inbasekar said members were required to be present in the hall before the commencement of voting, as per rules. Irfan Iqbal reportedly arrived four minutes late and was, therefore, denied entry to the voting room. He maintained that the election was conducted strictly in accordance with the Representation of the People Act and the guidelines of the State Election Commission, dismissing allegations of procedural violations as baseless.

A total of nine LDF members, seven UDF members, and one BJP member were present. The BJP member, however, abstained from voting, resulting in the LDF candidate winning with a clear majority.

The election proceedings were overseen by the Assistant Returning Officer and district panchayat secretary among others. Following the declaration of the results, the CPI(M)’s Sabu Abraham, representing the Kuttikol division, was sworn in as district panchayat president. The oath was administered by the District Collector.

Meanwhile, UDF members and workers staged a protest outside the election venue, alleging denial of democratic rights. The district administration reiterated that all actions were taken strictly in accordance with established procedures.