Sat Jan 18 15:31:07 UTC 2025: ## Idukki Panchayat Presidency Handed to Kerala Congress (M), Amidst LDF Efforts to Retain Party

**Idukki, Kerala – January 18, 2025** – The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Idukki district has appointed Rarichen Neeranakunnel of the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] as the next president of the Idukki district panchayat, a move seen as an effort to solidify the LDF’s hold on the region amidst speculation of KC(M)’s potential return to the United Democratic Front (UDF). Neeranakunnel will assume the presidency next year, succeeding K.P. Binu of the CPI(M).

The appointment comes as the LDF seeks to leverage KC(M)’s support in upcoming local body and assembly elections. KC(M) district president Jose Palathinal highlighted the party’s gains within the LDF, citing the allocation of grama panchayat president posts in several areas and the promise of further appointments. Palathinal emphasized the increased support and collaboration within the LDF compared to their previous affiliation with the UDF, where they received fewer positions. He also pointed out that the CPI(M) heeded KC(M)’s concerns on issues such as the recent Forest Amendment Act.

However, the move has sparked internal conflict within the LDF. The Communist Party of India (CPI) accused the CPI(M) of violating LDF agreements by not allocating the Kanthallur panchayat president post to the CPI, despite the pre-determined rotation. CPI Kanthallur secretary M.R. Kumaravel announced plans for a protest against the CPI(M)’s alleged “double standards”. The incident highlights potential fissures within the LDF coalition in Idukki.

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