LDF to pull down deputy mayor in Kannur Corporation

KANNUR: With the six-month bar on moving no-confidence motion gone and the rift between the rebel councillor and the Congress leadership widened beyond repair, the LDF has decided to pull down the deputy mayor of Kannur Corporation. CPM Kannur district secretary P. Jayarajan has confirmed to the DC that they would soon move a no-confidence motion.

The corporation created last year has a CPM mayor elected with the support of Congress rebel P.K. Ragesh after a tie. But he took a stand favouring the UDF in the elections of the deputy mayor and standing committees with the hope of a reconciliation. After Mr Ragesh contested assembly elections from Azhikode, the chances for his return to the party had diminished. It prompted the LDF to move the motion.

Mr Jayarajan said the LDF had already decided to move the no-confidence motion against IUML’s C. Sameer while the rebel corporator said that he would support it. “At present our aim is to bring him down,” he said. “We will continue to work under the banner of United Democratic Protection Committee (a forum of Congress rebels).” In the 55-member council, the UDF and the LDF have 27 members each.

A known foe of Congress stalwart K. Sudhakaran and DCC president K. Surendran, Mr Ragesh had put forward many demands including DCC reorganisation and removal of its president. However,  he refused to reveal the LDF’s offer. It is learnt that the CPM offered him Deputy mayor post despite opposition from ally CPI whose deputy mayor candidate lost against the UDF in the election previously held.