Mattathur panchayat defection row ends in compromise

The political controversy surrounding the alleged defection in the Mattathur grama panchayat in Thrissur has ended in a compromise, with vice-president Noorjahan Navas stepping down and submitting her resignation letter to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leadership. Panchayat president Tessy Jose, however, has decided not to resign.

The decision was announced at a joint press conference on Sunday addressed by Ms. Navas, former District Congress Committee (DCC) secretary T.M. Chandran, who had earlier faced disciplinary action, and the Congress members who were expelled from the party. The compromise is seen as part of reconciliation efforts between the Congress leadership and dissenting sections.

Mr. Chandran clarified that Ms. Jose would not resign as she is an Independent candidate. He said the decision was taken with full consensus and that all parties concerned would abide by the directions of the KPCC leadership.

Responding after submitting her resignation, Ms. Navas said she had faced several hardships since becoming a candidate. She alleged that many people, claiming to represent the DCC, had approached her and urged her to vote for the  Bharatiya Janata Party. Despite these pressures, she asserted that she would continue to stand firmly with the United Democratic Front.