The BJP is all set to lose control over the lone urban local self-government ruled by it in Kerala next week with the CPI(M) deciding to back no-confidence motions moved by Congress councillors against the chairman and vice chairman of Palakkad municipality.
Boosting the prospects of the combined opposition in unseating the BJP, a no-confidence motion moved against public works standing committee chairman was passed on Thursday. Though an invalid vote by a CPI(M) member failed the no-confidence motion against health standing committee chairman last week, the Opposition was already able to unseat welfare standing committee chairman. The motions against the remaining standing committee chairpersons would be considered on May 7.
As per the Panchayati Raj Act, before issuing a notice of no-confidence motion against the municipal chairman and vice chairman, the no-confidence motions against all the standing committees should be considered.
Though the BJP is the single-largest party in the municipal council, it does not have the majority. It has been in power since 2015 because the CPI(M) has refused to join hands with the Congress to unseat the BJP chairperson of the municipality.
The BJP has 24 members in the 52-ward municipality, while the UDF and the LDF together have 26 members. One each went to the Welfare Party and an Independent. Though the CPI(M) is supporting the no-confidence motions, the party is yet to decide on the strategy to the election of next chairman and vice chairman. Meanwhile, the Congress on Thursday said it would field candidates to the two key posts.
Meanwhile, municipal vice chairman and BJP leader C. Krishnakumar accused the Congress and the CPI(M) of brokering an unholy alliance to unseat the BJP, which initiated major development projects in Palakkad.
