Independents Seize Control of Key Committees in Angamaly Municipality
Independent councillors have firmly established themselves as the power centre in Angamaly municipality. This shift followed the completion of elections to its standing committees on Tuesday. The results show a decisive move away from traditional political parties.
Committee Chairpersonships Go Largely to Independents
Of the six standing committees, independent councillors secured four chairpersonships. They now lead the finance, development, welfare, and health committees. This gives them significant influence over municipal operations.
Congress managed to retain only one committee chair. Congress member Bastin D Parakkal was elected chairperson of the public works standing committee. Similarly, CPM secured just one position. CPM's Vinitha Dileep was chosen to head the education and arts committee.
Congress Holds Overall Leadership with Independent Support
Last week, Congress councillor Reetha Paul was elected chairperson of the municipality. She received backing from a 12-member Congress group and the support of independent councillors. This alliance allowed Congress to keep the top post.
Chairperson Reetha Paul commented on the arrangement. She stated that it was inevitable given their reliance on independent support. Paul also revealed an agreement with the independent councillors. They plan to switch positions after completing two-and-a-half years in their current roles.
Key Independent Figures Take Charge
The independent councillors who won chairpersonships are prominent figures. Wilson Mundadan was elected chairperson of the finance committee. Bini Krishnankutty won the development committee. Varghese Vembillyath secured the welfare committee. Luxy Joy took charge of the health committee.
Earlier, in the elections for the vice-chairman post, independent candidate Wilson Mundadan was elected by the councillors. This further solidifies the independents' growing influence in the municipality.
The election outcomes highlight a changing political landscape in Angamaly. Independent councillors are now central to decision-making processes. Their control over crucial committees marks a significant shift in local governance dynamics.
