The National Democratic Alliance lost power in the Narananganam grama panchayat after a no-confidence motion moved by the UDF was passed with the support of the LDF on Thursday.
The motion, moved by Congress member V.P. Manoj Kumar, was carried by eight votes to six, leading to the ouster of panchayat president V.B. Prasad, a BJP member.
The 14-member panchayat has a divided House, with the UDF and NDA holding six seats each and the LDF two. The LDF’s decision to back the UDF proved crucial in tipping the balance in favour of the motion.
The BJP had assumed the presidency after the previous election when the LDF abstained from voting, resulting in a six-six tie between the UDF and NDA. The post was subsequently decided through a draw of lots.
A fresh election to choose the panchayat president will be held after 15 days. Until then, vice-president Jessy Mathew, a Congress member, will hold charge of the office.
Published – August 06, 2026 08:42 pm IST
