Battle for Pala municipality in Kerala intensifies as UDF fields candidate

Amid competing claims over who truly represents the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Pala, the battle for control of the civic body has intensified, with the Congress-led alliance deciding to field a candidate against the UDF rebels in the upcoming chairperson election.The UDF parliamentary party has decided to authorise the district leadership to name its candidate for the August 19 chairperson election. Twenty-four-year-old Congress councillor Riya Cheeramkuzhy, who earlier shot into the spotlight as an off-road racer, is tipped to be the coalition’s choice, while senior Congress leader Sebastian J. Panackal is likely to contest for the vice-chairperson’s post.“Both names are under active consideration, though no final decision has been made. A formal announcement is expected from the di