The New Indian Express 29.10.2010
Intra-party talks on choosing municipal chiefs
Party leaders told Express that they would consider several factors before taking any decision as a precaution to avoid any issues in the beginning. In Aluva, the Congress is likely to give preference to former Opposition Leader V P George for chairman, though former vice-chairman M T Jacob is a strong contender. George has the support of former MLA K Mohemed Ali and the Latin Community. George’s hunger strike against the laxity of the LDF in disposing of waste from the town may give him an advantage.
Jacob, a member of the Syrian Catholic Church, has the backing of chairman M O John. However, the Christian Community, which played a crucial role in the landslide victory of the UDF,is reportedly claiming the top post for a member of the community.
For the post of vice-chairperson, Jeby Hisham Mather may be chosen, as he has close association with state and nationallevel leaders of the Congress.
In Paravoor municipality, the UDF may consider Shahul Hameed for vice-chairman. Hameed contested as a rebel and defeated the Congress candidate in Vedimara ward.
Former chairperson Valsala Prasannakumar of the Congress will be the new chairperson of Paravoor municipality.
In the 30member Angamaly municipal council, the UDF has almost got the the support of Independent K A Poulose. It remains a mystery whether he was offered the post of chairman for the support. Former chairpersons Lilly Raju, who won from a general seat, is a potential candidate for chairperson. But, the vice-chairperson post is reserved for woman councillor. Former councillor C K Varghese is likely to be considered chairman and Lilly Raju for vice-chairperson.
In Perumbavoor municipality, the party leadership seems to have no problem in selecting K M Abdul Salam as its chairman, a senior leader told Express.
Rosy Cherian, who was elected from the Forane church ward would be the candidate for the post of vice-chairperson, considering her performance in regaining the ward after a decade. Two prominent councillors, K P Babu and A G George, of the Congress are in the forefront of the race for the post of chairman in Kothamangalam municipality. The Kerala Congress (M) is likely to stake a claim for the post of vicechairperson.
Prameela Sunny and Teena Mathew of the KC (M) may be considered for the post even as Bhanumathi Raju of the Congress is also a front-runner for the post.
