India’s youngest municipal chairperson, 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkakandam, was removed from office in Pala Municipality after a no-confidence motion was passed against her. The motion, supported by 17 out of 26 councillors, led to the downfall of the UDF-backed administration due to internal conflicts within the Congress.
All 17 councillors present, comprising 12 LDF councillors, four Congress councillors who defied party orders, and Independent Vice-Chairperson Maya Rahul, voted in favor of the motion. Consequently, the UDF lost control of the municipality, marking the end of weeks of internal strife within the UDF.
The Congress had distanced itself from Diya Binu’s independent group, leading to a split within the UDF. Sensing the division, the LDF initiated the no-confidence motion to capitalize on the situation.
Despite the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s directive against jeopardizing the UDF administration, four Congress councillors went against the party line and supported the opposition during the meeting. District UDF leaders expressed disappointment over the turn of events and warned of strict disciplinary measures against those who defied the party’s instructions.
The UDF administration, supported by 14 members including the Pulikkakandam family, Congress, Kerala Congress (Joseph), and independents, began to unravel after the Congress withdrew its backing from Diya Binu’s group, leading to the political crisis culminating in the recent vote.
Following her removal, Diya Binu accepted the decision, emphasizing her commitment to democratic processes. She clarified that no allegations of misconduct had been raised against her and reiterated her dedication to serving the public as an elected councillor.
