KOTTAYAM: Independent councillor Maya Rahul was elected chairperson of the Pala Municipality on Wednesday with the support of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), following a change in the balance of power in the 26-member council.

Rahul, a second-term councillor representing Ward 19, secured the support of 16 councillors. She defeated Riya Cheeramkuzhi, the official candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Rahul was backed by the LDF as well as members of the Save Congress Forum, comprising Congress rebels who were expelled from the party after defying its whip.

Speaking after her election, Rahul called for political differences to be set aside to focus on the development of Pala.

“Since no party has a majority here, everyone should come together and work for the development of Pala. We should restore Pala to its former glory,” she said.

Rahul added that there was currently no agreement on sharing the chairperson’s term.

The election was held after former chairperson Diya Binu Pulikkakandam was removed through a no-confidence motion moved by the LDF.

Diya, who had gained attention as the country’s youngest municipal chairperson, was ousted after around six months in office.

The no-confidence motion passed with the support of four Congress councillors and the independent municipal vice-chairperson. The Congress councillors backed the motion despite a party whip directing them not to participate in the proceedings.