Mon Jan 20 19:34:40 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Political Parties Clash Over Alleged Abduction and No-Confidence Vote

**KOCHI, Kerala –** A political battle is raging in Koothattukulam, Kerala, following allegations of an abduction and the controversial blocking of a no-confidence vote against the municipal chairperson and vice-chairperson. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the United Democratic Front (UDF) are trading accusations over the incident, which unfolded over three days, culminating in protests and counter-protests.

CPI(M) alleges that UDF orchestrated the alleged abduction of CPI(M) councillor Kala Raju as a diversionary tactic after their no-confidence motion failed due to alleged political horse-trading. They claim UDF MLA’s were involved in moving Ms. Raju to a hospital in Kochi to conceal the alleged abduction, and pointed to the councillor’s alleged revelation of Congress promising to settle her debts as evidence of this.

The UDF vehemently denies these accusations, staging a protest against what they term CPI(M) “hooliganism” and police inaction. They claim 11 Congress councillors and an independent councillor were unable to participate in the vote due to fear and injuries sustained from alleged CPI(M) violence, submitting a letter to the returning officer to that effect. The UDF intends to file an election petition to force a reconsideration of the no-confidence motions.

The incident, which began on January 15th and continued through January 20th, involved a press conference by the CPI(M) Koothattukulam area committee secretary, reiterating their allegations, and a subsequent UDF protest march. The conflict underscores the deep political divide in the region and the accusations of intimidation and foul play surrounding the local elections.

Read More