Team News Riveting
Kochi, December 16
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been voted to power at Pandalam Municipality—commonly known as the land of Lord Ayyappa.
The NDA won 18 of the 33 divisions, retaining power from LDF who had won the previous elections at Pandalam with a total of 15 seats. The BJP had won just seven seats in the municipal council in 2015.
LDF this time was pushed to the 2nd position with 9 seats, whereas UDF won 5 seats and others one.
The Sabarimala issue and the BJP’s stand in support of the devotees has played a major role in the victory. The town in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, was the centre of the controversy following a Supreme Court ruling allowing entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala temple.
The BJP, which had a strong base, was able to capture the city council after gaining a large number of neutral votes. The defeat has created a major setback for LDF even as the victory at Pandalam is significant for the BJP
Additionally, the BJP has retained power with a clear majority in Palakkad municipality. The BJP has won 28 of the 52 seats in Palakkad. In 2015, the BJP was short of a majority with 24 seats in the council.
