CPM questioning BJP's by-poll defeat triggers ruckus in Palakkad Municipal Council

PALAKKAD: BJP-ruled Palakkad Municipal Council meeting witnessed an ugly ruckus between LDF and BJP members on Tuesday. The argument started after CPM members questioned the vote erosion of BJP and the humiliating defeat the saffron party suffered in the by-polls.

Despite intervention from City Council chairperson Pramila Sasidharan, the war of words soon morphed into physical exchanges. CPM members later got into a heated altercation with the chairperson. It was alleged that CPM's councillors were not allowed to speak. Pramila denied this saying everyone was given equal time to raise their opinions.

There was also a dispute over calling UDF councillors for discussion. As CPM members took centre stage against the President, BJP members too decided to show resistance. Meanwhile, BJP National Executive Committee Member N Sivarajan and Congress member Mansoor had a bitter exchange of words. Then the members of all three parties clashed with each other. It took great efforts from members to alleviate the tensions and bring normalcy back.

Earlier, Pramila Sasidharan had come out against the BJP leadership. Pramila clarified yesterday that the BJP's defeat in the by-elections was not the fault of the Municipal Corporation, and tacitly admitted her disappointment in candidate selection.