Erattupetta, KOTTAYAM: The Erattupetta municipality ruled by UDF has come in open support for its SDPI Councilor arrested by the NIA for his alleged links with banned Popular Front of India(PFI). The UDF marked its support at the Council meeting convened to discuss disqualification of SDPI Councilor EP Ansari.
In the municipal council meeting held on February 1, the council body listed in the agenda, demand for granting a 6-month leave to Ansari and also lend him protection. Muslim League senior member PM Abdul Khader, Congress Mandalam President, Municipal Vice Chairman Adv. UDF coalition leaders including Muhammad Ilyas and Welfare Party members spoke in support of Ansari while LDF councilors remained opposed.
In the council meeting participated by 27 members, 9 LDF council members recorded dissent. Muslim League's Riyas Plamoodu and Congress's Ansalan Parykutty kept out of the meeting. However, in a 12-vote UDF and 4-vote SDPI majority, the council passed the decision to grant NIA-arrested Ansari a 6-month leave with retrospect effect.
The UDF currently rules the municipality with majority of its own independents and two members of the Welfare Party.
