KOLLAM: The no-confidence motion moved by the LDF against Deputy Mayor of the Kollam Corporation K Gopinathan of RSP was passed with the decisive support of PDP councillor M Kamaludeen.
Following the passing of the no-confidence motion, Gopinathan stepped down from the post on Tuesday.
The vote of Koottikkada ward councillor Kamaludeen was crucial in the 55-member council where the UDF and LDF were evenly tied. Twenty-seven LDF members and the sole PDP member voted in favour of the motion to secure a majority of 28 members.
Gopinathan stepped down from his post following the voting on Tuesday. With the PDP siding with the LDF camp, the no-confidence motion moved by the UDF against Mayor Prasanna Earnest which will put to vote on Wednesday is likely to fail and the LDF would retain the control of the Corporation council.
There were dissenting voices in both UDF and LDF in taking PDP support. If CPI had objection in aligning with PDP on the LDF side, IUML was uncomfortable with getting PDP support in UDF camp.
In non-confidence motions moved last week by the UDF, the LDF lost two of its standing committee positions in the Corporation including that of the health standing committee chairperson Honey Benjamin of CPI and the public works standing committee chairman Rajendra Babu of CPM.