Tue May 13 15:50:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Munnar Panchayat Plunged into Further Political Chaos as Fifth President Elected in Four Years**

**IDUKKI, May 13, 2025** – The Munnar grama panchayat in Idukki district is experiencing unprecedented political turmoil, with the election of M. Manimozhi of the Congress party as its fifth president in just four years. The election, held today at the panchayat office, saw Manimozhi secure 11 votes, defeating Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Jyothi Satheesh Kumar, who received eight.

The latest leadership change was triggered by the resignation of former president Deepa Rajkumar, a move shrouded in controversy. Rajkumar initially submitted her resignation but quickly retracted it, alleging coercion and a forged signature by Congress workers. Despite the retraction, a subsequent no-confidence motion led to her removal, paving the way for Manimozhi’s election. This is Manimozhi’s second term as president.

The revolving door of leadership reflects a deeper instability within the panchayat since the 2020 local body elections. While the United Democratic Front (UDF) initially secured a majority, defections and power struggles have plagued the council. In January 2022, two UDF members defected to the LDF, briefly shifting control of the panchayat. This was followed by further defections and allegations of forged resignation letters.

In October 2023, the State Election Commission disqualified two council members for switching parties, creating new opportunities for power shifts. Confidence votes and no-confidence motions have become commonplace, with the UDF officially reclaiming control in February 2024 before Rajkumar’s brief and controversial presidency.

The constant power struggles and allegations of unethical political manuevering underscore the deep divisions and instability within the Munnar grama panchayat, raising concerns about its ability to effectively serve the community.

**Based on report of The Hindu**

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