The election of the new Deputy Mayor of Kochi Corporation unfolded with little drama, as United Democratic Front (UDF) nominee and four-time councillor V.R. Sudheer sailed past his rivals with a comfortable margin of 17 votes on Wednesday (July 29, 2026)

Mr. Sudheer secured 46 votes, while P.J. Yesudas of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) managed 21, and Jalaja S. Acharya of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received six. Given the UDF’s large majority in the 76-member council, the only surprise was an invalid ballot cast by LDF councillor Lavitha Nelson of Tharebagham division, who signed the paper without writing her name.

UDF councillor Albert Ambalathingal of Pachalam division was barred from voting after entering the council hall once proceedings had begun at 11 a.m. Presiding officer and District Collector G. Priyanka asked him to vacate the hall, declining a suggestion from Welfare Standing Committee chairperson Antony Painuthara that he be allowed to vote if no one objected. Ms. Priyanka held firm, noting that such a move could compromise the election if challenged later.

The declaration of Mr. Sudheer’s victory was greeted by desk-thumping and slogans from UDF councillors. Mayor V.K. Minimol administered the oath of office. She said Mr. Sudheer’s long experience as a councillor would be invaluable in tackling Kochi’s infrastructural challenges.

LDF parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith expressed hope that Mr. Sudheer would “rise above politics and treat all councillors with fairness.” He urged the new Deputy Mayor, who also chairs the crucial Finance Standing Committee, to ensure financial stability and transparency. Deepak Joy, former Minister Dominic Presentation, and former Mayor Soumini Jain were among those present.

In his reply, Mr. Sudheer described his election as recognition of his years of service. He pledged to work beyond political divides and without discrimination.

The Congress parliamentary party, chaired by District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas, MLA, had unanimously chosen Mr. Sudheer as the nominee on Tuesday. The post fell vacant after Mr. Joy resigned on May 13, following his election as Tripunithura MLA. The delay in filling the position had drawn criticism from the LDF, which alleged an administrative impasse since the Deputy Mayor also heads the Finance Standing Committee.

Though several names from the Congress ‘A’ faction were initially considered, Mr. Sudheer remained the frontrunner owing to his seniority. P.D. Martin (two-time councillor), M.G. Aristotle (three-time councillor), and Henry Austin (two-time councillor) stepped aside in his favour.

Published - July 29, 2026 02:36 pm IST