Local body by-elections: Setback for CPM in Malappuram, victory for BJP in Thrissur

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The results of the by-elections held in various local bodies across the state are coming out. BJP seized the sitting seat of UDF in Pavaratti in Thrissur. BJP also seized the sitting seat of CPM in Cheriyanadu panchayat in Alappuzha. In Malappuram, the CPM lost two seats where it had been winning for several decades.

Meanwhile, CPM retained its seats in the by-elections to three local wards in Kannur district. CPM candidates won in all three seats. CPM's MA Sudheeshan won by 237 votes in Thalassery Municipal Ward 18 Peringalam. CPM's K Savitha won by 88 votes in Padiyoor-Kalliad Panchayat Ward 1 Manneri. CPM's M Leela won by 188 votes in the Alakkad ward.

CPM suffered a huge setback in the local body by-elections held in Malappuram district. The party lost two seats which it had been winning for several decades. UDF's independent candidate won by 143 votes in Munniyur panchayat. A CPM rebel, who won with the support of the UDF, won in Vattamkulam panchayat. The Muslim League retained its sitting seat in Koottilangadi Panchayat.

In Alappuzha, CPM won two seats and the BJP won one seat in the three panchayat wards where by-elections were held. In Ernakulam, A Shemeer Lala of the UDF won by a majority of 123 votes in Choornikkara panchayat ninth ward.

The UDF also retained the eighth ward of Vazhakkulam panchayat. The LDF retained its seat in the 8th ward in Chittattukara panchayat. In the by-elections held in five places in Palakkad, the UDF seized two sitting seats (Mankara and Thachambara) of the LDF. The LDF retained the Kottathara ward in Sholayoor panchayat. UDF retained the Thekkathivattaram ward in Pudunagaram panchayat through Tajumma Mujeeba of the League. UDF candidate Noushad Babu won in the fifth ward in Thachampara panchayat. The UDF seized the fourth ward in Mankara panchayat from the CPI.

CPM candidate Manju emerged victorious in Cheruvallimukku in Attingal municipality in Thiruvananthapuram. CPM candidate Shinu Madathara won in Madathara in Peringamala panchayat ruled by the Congress. CPM's Kalayapuram Ansari won in Kolla. CPM candidate won in Karimancode ward. The UDF won in the fourth ward in Ezhamkulam panchayat in Pathanamthitta. It also won in the second ward in Chittar panchayat.