The uncertainty looming large over the survival of UDF-led Chottanikkara panchayat has been resolved following the intervention of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob, the MLA of the constituency.
The Jacob faction of the Kerala Congress that plays a crucial role in the panchayat was giving headache for the UDF.
Alleging that the Congreessmembers of the panchayat were not consulting with them while taking administrative decisions, the Jacob group members had decided to withdraw its support to the Congress.
According to the ‘Jacob’ faction, the issue regarding the decision of the party to back out from the UDF ruling the panchayat was resolved in the official meeting convened on Sunday night.
The Minister had asked his fellow men to continue their support to the Congress. Also the district leaders of the Jacob group participated in the meeting.
Lalu Varghese, a member of the Jacob group told ‘City Express’, that the Minister had assured them that Jacob group members would be consulted while taking major administrative decisions of the panchayat.
“The Congress members had been ignoring the Jacob faction while taking administrative decisions, including the recent inauguration of a ration outlet,” he said.
However, any withdrawal decision by the Jacob faction will prove fatal for the Congress-led panchayat which has 5 LDF members.
Varghese said that if the Jacob group members join the Left league, the reins of the panchayat will be with the LDF. “Now, the Congress-led UDF is ruling the panchayat with nine members, of which two are from the Kerala Congress Jacob,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chottanikara panchayat president M A John said that there is no uncertainty in maintaining the majority. Also he expressed confidence that the Congress leadership will complete the term with the support of the Jacob group. “It was only a misunderstanding among some members in the panchayat but all the issues have been sorted out,” he said.
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