Kochi / Thrissur ∙ In the Kochi Corporation, a magic line of 35 is being drawn between the fronts focusing on the rebels. In Kochi, where the BJP and the rebels were strong, the LDF and the UDF could not reach an absolute majority. The BJP jumped from two to five and became the black horses of the election.
Kochi did not help anyone at the end of the in-fighting. No one was pushed. In a dramatic turnout, the LDF won 34 seats and the UDF 31. The BJP won five seats, while the independents won four seats. The LDF can rule Kochi with the support of one of the rebels who won in four divisions, though not by an absolute majority. The UDF can only come to power with the support of the four rebels. The Left Front reckons that Kochi can be captured with the support of the rebels.
West Kochi, an area of influence, was crucial in the CPM’s performance. V for Kochi did not win anywhere but defeated the UDF in many divisions. N Venugopal, who was being considered for the post of Congress mayor, lost by a single vote in Island North. Deputy Mayor KR Premkumar lost by a huge margin.
M. Anilkumar Elamakkara, who is being considered for the post of Left Front mayor, came to the council from the North. The BJP, which had two seats last time, retained them and captured three more.
The BJP won in Ernakulam South, Central, Island North, Amravati and Cherlai divisions. The Left rebels won in Manasseri and the League rebels won in Kalvati. The Congress rebels won in Panayapilly and Mundamveli divisions. No matter who rules, the Kochi Municipal Corporation is waiting for a stronger opposition than the ruling party.
MK Varghese, who won the by-poll, told Manorama News that the voters in Nettissery would decide who to support in the Thrissur Corporation. MK Varghese’s position is that he will say later who he will be with.
In Nettissery, Varghese contested when the Congress denied him a seat and replaced him with Baiju Varghese, who formed the People’s Front. If Congress can add Varghese, it will have to decide on a party-level, toss-up rule of 24–24. The LDF, which won 24 seats, also started moves to keep Varghese together. The LDF is hoping to take power if it can secure Varghese’s support.
English Summary: LDF likely to obtain power in Kochi corporation
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