Mattathur panchayat defection row ends in compromise

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

The decision was announced at a joint press conference on Sunday attended by Ms Navas, former District Congress Committee (DCC) secretary TM Chandran, who had previously faced disciplinary action, and expelled Congress members from the party. The compromise is seen as part of reconciliation efforts between the Congress leadership and opposition factions.

Mr. Chandran clarified that Ms. Jose will not resign as she is an Independent candidate. He said that the decision was taken with full consensus and all parties involved will comply with the instructions of the KPCC leadership.

Responding after tendering her resignation, Ms. Navas said she had faced many challenges since becoming a candidate. He claimed that he was approached by many people claiming to represent the DCC and urged him to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party. He claimed that he would continue to stand by the United Democratic Front despite these pressures.