Two emerge as strong contenders for N. Paravur municipal chairperson post

After clinching 15 out of 30 seats, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is in a comfortable position to form the council in North Paravur municipality, having retained control of the civic body for the fourth consecutive time. The spotlight is now on how the leadership will emerge, particularly who will become the chairperson and vice chairperson of the civic body.

While a decision will be taken by the front leadership only after the swearing-in of the new councillors, several names have emerged as strong contenders for the posts.

The names of two councillors are being suggested for the post of chairperson. They are Ramesh D. Kurup, who was the municipal chairman from 2015 to 2020. He recently won from Ward 22 (Nanthiattukunnam). Another strong contender for the post is Denny Thomas. He was chairman of the education standing committee from 2015 to 2020.

The other names doing the rounds are Saji Nambiath, who won from Ward 17 (Vazhikulangara) and Joby Panjikkaran who won from Ward 2, (Kurunthottyparambu).

Mr. Nambiath was chairman of the public works standing committee from 2020 to 2025, while Mr. Panjikkaran served as its chairman during 2010-2015.

This time, the vice chairperson will be a woman. Among the 15 councillors, 10 are women, which, in effect, adds more candidates to the list of consideration for the post. According to sources, the main criteria for consideration for all the posts are seniority and long-term affiliation with the front.

Among women councillors, three have emerged as strong contenders for the post of vice chairperson. The names of Beena Sasidharan, Jalala Raveendran, and Laiji Biju are doing the rounds.