Municipal chairman resigns amid high drama

Pathanamthitta, Feb 22 (UNI) In a dramatic turn of events, Mr P Mohanraj of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), who was elected as Chairman of Pathanamthitta Municipality by a margin of single vote cast by a BJP councillor, resigned from his post within hours today.

But UDF candidate K R Ajithkumar, who won by a similar majority for the post of Vice-Chairman, would continue in office.

Under heavy security cover, the election for the chairman's post began at the Municipal Council Hall at 1030 hrs.

Mr Mohanraj's name was proposed by Mr A Shamshudin and supported by Mr A Sureshkumar. Former Left Democratic Front Chairperson Amrutham Gokulan, who contested the post after his name being proposed by Oommen Varghese and seconded by Mr V A Shajahan.

Mr Mohanraj won with 15 votes, defeating Mr Gokulan who secured 14 votes. The lone BJP councillor, Ms Ambily Rajendran, voted for Mr Mohanraj tilting the delicate balance of power in his favour.

In the 29-member municipal council, both UDF and LDF had 14 councillors each, besides the lone BJP member.

At 1400 hrs, when the council reassembled, Ms Rosamma Kuriakose, proposed the name of Mr K R Ajithkumar of UDF for vice-chairmanship.

He was seconded by Mr Saji K Simon.

District Planning Officer K P Babu acted as the returning officer. Later, Mr Mohanraj and Mr Ajithkumar took the oath of office and secrecy before him.

By evening, in a suprise move, KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala asked Mr Mohanraj, who is also the DCC President, to resign as he got elected with the support of BJP.

At a hurriedly convened press conference, Mr Mohanraj formally announced his resignation.

UNI