LDF worried over fate of Kollam Corpn.

By Ignatius Pereira

KOLLAM, MAY 17. With the UDF capturing power in the May 10 State Assembly election, a strong fear haunts the LDF here on whether the Kollam Corporation, now under LDF rule, would soon slip into the hands of the UDF.

If things go as per the UDF calculations, it would not be surprising if a no-confidence motion is soon moved against the Mayoress, Ms. Sabita Beegum, in a similar manner resorted to by the UDF to capture the Paravur Municipal Council.

It was a hung council for the Kollam Corporation in the local body elections held in September last. In the 50-member council, the LDF had won 24 divisions and the UDF 22 divisions. The other successful candidates included two Congress rebels and two PDP members. The Congress rebels were expelled from the party before the elections.

While a "Thrishanku" effect prevailed when it came to deciding which front would rule the Corporation, the PDP leaders held a press conference to announce unconditional support to the UDF. At the same venue one of the Congress rebels, Mr. Jayapalan Pillai, also announced his support to the UDF.

The other Congress rebel, Mr. V.S. Priyadarshan, meanwhile, made it clear that his support would go to the front which manages the crucial support of 25 members. A strength of 26 members is required for minimum majority to rule the corporation.

The next few days had witnessed hectic political activity in the city. Though it appeared that the UDF was having the advantage, the LDF camp acted hand-on-fist and succeeded in winning Mr. Jayapalan to its side in lieu of the deputy mayor's post. With the LDF garnering the support of 25 members through this move, Mr. Priyadarshan also extended support, thereby enabling the LDF to rule the Corporation.

However, the LDF had the fear that in case the UDF came to power in the State, Mr. Jayapalan may have second thoughts on continuing support to the LDF. These fears were confirmed in the ensuing days when Mr. Jayapalan maintained close relations with his friends in the DCC.

His presence was also conspicuous at the DCC grounds on May 5 when the AICC president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, arrived to address an election campaign meeting soliciting votes for the UDF candidates. A section of the LDF leaders in the Corporation is also not happy with the fact that the deputy mayor had travelled all the way to Thiruvananthapuram today to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Antony Cabinet.

Meanwhile, UDF sources said that though he had been expelled from the party to maintain the formalities of decorum, Mr. Jayapalan is basically a Congressman and it would not be surprising if a home-coming takes place soon.

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