CPM councillor votes for UDF; LDF loses power in Koothattukulam

KOOTHATTUKULAM: LDF lost power in Koothattukulam Municipality after CPM councilor Kala Raju defected. UDF ousted Chairperson Vijaya Sivan and Vice Chairman Sunny Kuriakose through a no-confidence motion. 13 people voted in favor of UDF. LDF boycotted.

Opposition Leader Prince Paul John moved the no-confidence motion at 11.30 am. Kala Raju and Independent P.G. Sunilkumar stood with the UDF and the no-confidence motion was passed. The party strength was LDF- 13, UDF- 11, Independent- 1.

The UDF had brought a no-confidence motion last January, but the vote did not take place after CPM workers abducted Kala Raju. This time, the police provided heavy security for Kala Raju and others. Police from six stations, led by Puthenkurish DySP, arrived at the spot. Sunny Kuriakose alleged that what happened in Koothattukulam was a massacre of democracy and horse trading, and that there was a big financial deal behind it.

"It was CPM that slaughtered democracy. The party harassed me even though I stood for it for 25 years. If there was horse trading, let it be proven."

-Kala Raju

"The no-confidence motion passing is a victory for democracy. UDF will move forward with more strength."

-Anoop Jacob MLA,

Kerala Cong. (Jacob) Leader