LDF, UDF maintain status quo in local body polls
The Hindu
LDF wins 2 seats, UDF 1; CPI(M) retains seats vacated by two legislators
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) maintained status quo in the bypolls to the three local body seats, the results of which were declared on Wednesday.
Much to the relief of the CPI(M), its nominees retained the prestigious Nanmanda division of the Kozhikode district panchayat as well as the Koompara ward of Koodaranji grama panchayat which were vacated by party legislators Kanathil Jameela and Linto Joseph, who had won from Koyilandy and Thiruvambady Assembly segments respectively.
Ms. Jameela had stepped down as the Kozhikode district panchayat president, while Linto Joseph had resigned as president of Koodaranji grama panchayat.
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists