Fri Dec 26 07:04:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

V.K. Minimol of the United Democratic Front (UDF) has been elected as the new mayor of Kochi, India, defeating Jagathambika Sudarshan of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The election went largely as expected, with Minimol securing 48 votes to Sudarshan’s 22. The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Priya Prashanth received six votes. While Deepthy Mary Varghese was expected to be the UDF candidate, Minimol, a four-time councillor and State Vice President of the Mahila Congress, secured the nomination and victory. Although Varghese showed solidarity with Minimol, she did not stay for the oath-taking ceremony. Minimol promised to prioritize both infrastructure development and welfare in her address to the council. The election for Deputy Mayor is scheduled for later in the day.

News Article:

UDF’s V.K. Minimol Elected Mayor of Kochi

KOCHI, INDIA – December 26, 2025 – V.K. Minimol of the United Democratic Front (UDF) was elected as the new Mayor of Kochi today, following a decisive victory over Jagathambika Sudarshan of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The election, held at the Corporation Council Hall, saw Ms. Minimol secure 48 votes, while Ms. Sudarshan received 22. Priya Prashanth of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) garnered six votes.

District Collector G. Priyanka administered the oath of office to Ms. Minimol, a four-time councillor and State Vice President of the Mahila Congress. The election outcome was largely anticipated, with councillors voting along party lines.

Earlier in the day, speculation surrounded Congress councillor Deepthy Mary Varghese, initially considered the frontrunner for the mayoral position. Although showing support for Ms. Minimol by garlanding her after the announcement, she did not attend the oath-taking ceremony.

In her inaugural address, Mayor Minimol pledged to focus on both infrastructure improvements and welfare initiatives to meet the needs of the growing metropolitan city. “Along with the basic infrastructure of Kochi, which is fast rising as a metropolitan city, welfare will also be given equal prominence,” she stated.

The election for Deputy Mayor is scheduled for later this afternoon.

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