Maya Rahul elected chairperson of Pala municipality in Keralam as LDF and Congress rebels join hands

Maya Rahul was elected chairperson of Pala municipality in Keralam on August 19, 2026, after weeks of political uncertainty. The LDF and Congress rebels united to support her candidacy. Ms. Rahul received 16 votes, including all 12 Left Democratic Front (LDF) councillors, three Congress rebels, and her own. Riya Bino Cheeramkuzhi from the United Democratic Front (UDF) received 10 votes.

Ms. Rahul had been acting chairperson since LDF-backed Diya Binu Pulikkandam was removed through a no-confidence motion on July 21, 2026. The motion received support from four Congress councillors and Ms. Rahul, who was the vice-chairperson at the time. The rebel Congress councillors disregarded the party's directive to abstain from the discussion.

The UDF saw a rift within its ranks, with Congress councillors and Ms. Rahul separating from the three-member Independent collective representing the Pulikkandam family. LDF seized the opportunity to take control of the municipality. Rebel Congress councillor Lissikutty Mathew later returned to the UDF due to disagreements over Ms. Rahul's candidacy.

Pulikkandam, an Independent member, held the position as Keralam's youngest municipal chairperson for six months. The 26-member municipal council consists of 12 LDF councillors. The UDF comprises 14 members, including six Congress councillors, three Kerala Congress members, three independents, one Kerala Democratic Party member, and Ms. Rahul, who won as an Independent.

The Kottayam District Congress Committee has filed a petition with the State Election Commission to disqualify the rebel Congress councillors, alleging a breach of the anti-defection law.