Sat Dec 27 11:04:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
The United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala’s Thrikkakara municipality is facing internal conflict over the appointment of the chairperson. MLA Uma Thomas is advocating for the traditional split-term arrangement for the chairperson’s post, despite the party’s decision to grant a full term to Rashid Ullamppilly. Thomas’s demand stems from a similar arrangement being considered in Kochi. The District Congress Committee (DCC) and the larger UDF favor a single term for stability and effective development. Another party member, M.S. Anilkumar, also initially sought the position. While Thomas has been assured a meeting to discuss the issue, the current single-term arrangement is unlikely to change.
News Article:
UDF Faces Internal Strife Over Thrikkakara Municipality Chairperson Appointment
KOCHI, December 27, 2025 – Internal divisions are surfacing within the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala’s Thrikkakara municipality over the appointment of the chairperson, mirroring recent disputes within the Kochi Corporation. Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas has reportedly petitioned the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), advocating for a split-term arrangement for the chairperson’s role, a tradition in the municipality.
The current UDF decision designates a full term to Rashid Ullamppilly, deviating from past practices that often saw the term divided or subject to internal power struggles. Sources say Thomas supports splitting the term between Ullamppilly and Shaji Vazhakkala, a former chairperson, drawing parallels with the ongoing debate about the Kochi mayoral candidate.
DCC President Muhammed Shiyas emphasized the party’s and UDF’s desire for a stable, five-year term to ensure effective development, citing the area’s importance due to the presence of Infopark, SmartCity, and the district administration. “Split terms have proven ineffective,” Shiyas stated. “The people desire a stable and sustainable regime.”
Despite MLA Thomas’ concerns, the DCC seems committed to upholding the single-term arrangement. She has been promised a meeting upon the return of MP Hibi Eden to discuss the matter, but sources suggest the current plan is unlikely to be overturned. The controversy follows a similar claim from M.S. Anilkumar, President of the Thrikkakara East Mandalam, who also initially vied for the position. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining unity within the UDF coalition as it navigates local governance in a key Kerala municipality.
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