Mon Dec 29 08:08:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

An e-paper edition from The Hindu published on December 29, 2025, includes various sections like world affairs from an Indian perspective, cinema news, tech stories, science, data analysis, health, and book reviews. One article details the resignation of N.K. Manju, a Congress member who became president of the Agali panchayat in Kerala with the support of the LDF (Left Democratic Front). She resigned just two days after taking office due to the UDF’s (United Democratic Front’s) and Congress’s backlash, who initiated legal proceedings against her under the anti-defection law. Manju claims that she did not receive a party whip.

News Article:

Congress Panchayat President Resigns After UDF Backlash in Kerala

Palakkad, Kerala – December 29, 2025 – N.K. Manju, a Congress member and newly elected president of the Agali panchayat in Palakkad district, Kerala, resigned from her post on Monday morning, just two days after assuming office.

Ms. Manju’s election on Saturday was controversial, as she secured the presidency with the support of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) despite being elected on the Congress symbol (part of the UDF). This move sparked outrage from the United Democratic Front (UDF), who accused her of violating party lines.

The Congress party swiftly initiated legal proceedings against Ms. Manju under the anti-defection law, prompting her resignation. The party has already approached the State Election Commission (SEC) seeking her disqualification from the council.

“I will continue to work as a Congress member,” Ms. Manju stated after her resignation. “The LDF members supported me when my name was proposed for the president’s post, and I did not want to reject that support.” She had previously maintained that she did not receive any party whip regarding the election.

The Agali panchayat, located in Attappady, had been under LDF control for the past decade. In the recent elections, the UDF secured 10 seats, while the LDF won nine, and the BJP two. The UDF had initially planned to nominate Sibu Cyriac for the president’s post, a plan derailed by Ms. Manju’s election with LDF backing.

The situation has highlighted the complex political dynamics within the Agali panchayat and raised questions about party discipline and coalition politics in the region. The SEC is now reviewing the Congress party’s petition regarding Ms. Manju’s potential disqualification.

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