Wed Dec 17 20:10:40 UTC 2025: News Article:

UDF Set to Lead North Paravur Municipality for Fourth Consecutive Term: Leadership Race Heats Up

KOCHI, December 18, 2025 – The United Democratic Front (UDF) has secured a comfortable victory in the North Paravur municipality elections, winning 15 out of 30 seats and retaining control of the civic body for the fourth time in a row. The focus now shifts to the selection of the new chairperson and vice chairperson, with several prominent councillors vying for the leadership roles.

While the final decision rests with the UDF leadership following the swearing-in of the new council, speculation is rife regarding potential candidates.

For the chairperson position, two names are currently in the spotlight: Ramesh D. Kurup, the former municipal chairman from 2015 to 2020, and Denny Thomas, who previously headed the education standing committee during the same period. Other contenders include Saji Nambiath, former chairman of the public works standing committee (2020-2025), and Joby Panjikkaran, who held the same position from 2010-2015.

This term, the vice chairperson post is reserved for a woman, with 10 of the 15 UDF councillors being female. Beena Sasidharan, Jalala Raveendran, and Laiji Biju have emerged as leading candidates for the position.

Sources indicate that seniority and long-term affiliation with the UDF are the primary criteria guiding the selection process for all leadership positions.

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