BJP Secures Historic Victory in Puthur Panchayat, Ending LDF’s 25-Year Rule

Palakkad: The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which had governed the Puthur panchayat in Attappady for over a quarter-century, failed to secure even a single seat in the recent elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a historic landslide victory, winning nine out of the total 14 wards and taking control of the administration.

This outcome marks a severe setback for the Left Front in Puthur. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Communist Party of India (CPI), each contesting in seven wards, could not win any seats. In numerous wards, LDF candidates were relegated to the third position, highlighting a significant shift in the local political landscape.

Adding to the LDF’s woes, Jothy Anil Kumar, the incumbent Panchayat President and a CPI district committee member, was defeated by the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate. The UDF managed to secure five seats in the panchayat, also improving its tally from previous elections.

In the 2020 local elections, the seat distribution in Puthur was LDF with 6 seats, UDF with 3, and BJP with 3. This time, the BJP dramatically increased its count by capturing five additional seats directly from the LDF. The UDF also gained an extra seat, further diminishing the Left Front’s presence.

Puthur is notably a panchayat with a significant tribal population, including indigenous communities. A key factor influencing the election results was the ongoing discussion around vigilance irregularities found in the housing scheme for tribals within the panchayat. Additionally, the fact that the then-Panchayat President was facing a vigilance investigation became a major talking point during the election campaign, likely impacting voter sentiment.