Tue Dec 23 11:20:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

The article from The Hindu e-paper, dated December 23, 2025, reports on the upcoming elections for president and vice-president in seven coastal grama panchayats within the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The elections are scheduled for December 27th. The article details the likely candidates and political dynamics in each panchayat, highlighting power struggles between the LDF (Left Democratic Front) and UDF (United Democratic Front), potential alliances, infighting within parties, and community representation issues. Some of the key highlights include a coin toss needed to break a tie in Njarakkal, corruption allegations surrounding a candidate in Nayarambalam, and a power-sharing agreement in Chellanam.

News Article:

Ernakulam Panchayats Gear Up for Leadership Elections Amidst Political Wrangling

KOCHI, December 23, 2025 (The Hindu e-paper) – Coastal grama panchayats in Ernakulam district are preparing for elections to determine their new presidents and vice-presidents, scheduled for December 27th. The outcomes promise to shape the political landscape of the region, with several panchayats facing tight races and internal party conflicts.

In Pallippuram, a known LDF stronghold, CPI(M) leader E.K. Jayan is slated to become president, while Ramani Ajayan, former president, is expected to take on the role of vice-president. Meanwhile, in Kuzhuppilly, the UDF’s Liji Thadhevus will assume the presidency. The vice-president position is currently split between P.J. Anirudhan, and M.M. Pramukhan, suggesting a possible power-sharing arrangement.

Edavanakkad grama panchayat will likely see K.A Saajith, from the CPI(M) Vypeen area committee, take the presidential chair, enabled by infighting within the local Congress party. Mini Purushothaman is the leading contender for vice-president, though other female ward members are also in the mix.

The political situation in Njarakkal is especially unique, as the UDF and LDF are locked in a tie. A coin toss will determine the winner, who will then choose the presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Nayarambalam grama panchayat sees Joby Varghese as the likely presidential candidate, despite a previous corruption scandal. However, the leadership is facing growing pressure from the Scheduled Castes communities to consider senior leader and Congress mandalam president N.R. Gireeshan, due to the lack of representation for their community.

Elamkunnapuzha grama panchayat is expected to see Benny Bernard as the new president.

Finally, in Chellanam grama panchayat, the presidency is expected to be shared by Jessy Augustine and Ammini Joseph, with Peter Sheen as the predicted choice for vice-president.

The results of these elections will be closely watched, as they reflect the shifting political winds in Ernakulam and could signal future trends in Kerala’s local governance.

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