Congress rebel A.V. Gopinathan blamed the CPI(M) for his defeat in Peringottukurissi panchayat. Former MLA and District Congress Committee president, Mr. Gopinathan said he lost votes in several places because of internal conflicts within the CPI(M).
Mr. Gopinathan, who contested under the banner Independent Democratic Front (IDF) in alliance with the Left Democratic Front (LDF), said his defeat was unexpected. However, he said he would continue to support the LDF.
In Ward 9, Mr. Gopinathan was defeated by 130 votes. He exhorted the CPI(M) to examine the vote loss.
In the 18-member Peringottukurissi panchayat, the IDF-LDF alliance secured eight seats, the UDF won seven, the BJP two, and one went to an independent candidate, leaving no party or coalition with a clear majority to govern.
Mr. Gopinathan said that the IDF-LDF alliance would rule the panchayat.
Published – December 14, 2025 08:34 pm IST
