The narrow electoral mandate for the United Democratic Front in Pala municipality is facing its first stress test, as factional rifts within the ruling coalition have now spilled into an open confrontation.The simmering tensions within the ruling combine reached a flashpoint during a meeting on Friday evening, where a heated exchange escalated into a scuffle between Congress councillor Biju Mathews and Independent councillor Binu Pulikkakkandam. Following the incident, Mr. Mathews lodged a complaint at the Palai police station, accusing Mr. Binu and his brother, Biju Pulikkakkandam, of manhandling him and seeking police protection.According to Mr. Mathews, the confrontation was triggered by a dispute over the relocation of an autorickshaw stand in Pala town. He further alleged that the incident took place in the presence of municipal chairperson Diya Binu. Tensions escalated when he demanded that the issue be included in the agenda of the council meeting scheduled for Saturday (June 6, 2026). The proposal was backed by a couple of other councillors, which angered Mr. Binu and his brother. Even attempts by the Congress mandalam president to intervene turned futile. In view of the stand-off, the council meeting was put off indefinitely.The episode, set against the backdrop of growing discontent within the Congress over the alleged disproportionate influence of Mr. Binu over municipal administration, has since snowballed into a full blown political controversy.Allegations deniedThe Pulikkakkandam brothers have denied the allegations of assault, maintaining that the incident amounted only to a verbal altercation. In a joint statement, they said they had no objection to relocating the autorickshaw stand at Kottaramattom, but opposed attempts to allocate it without following due process. They also pointed out that the matter involved a High Court order and suggested that the council proceed only after receiving a written representation from autorickshaw workers.The local Congress leadership, meanwhile, has brought the incident to the attention of the party’s district and State leadership. “It is unfortunate that a Congress member requires police protection to participate in council meetings despite UDF in power. It is difficult move ahead cooperating with such people. We are awaiting response from the party leadership,” said a senior Congress leader.The UDF currently governs the 26-member council with a slender majority of 14 seats against the Left Democratic Front’s 12. However, this fragile edge rests heavily on the support of an Independent bloc comprising three members and a Congress rebel. Published - June 06, 2026 05:44 pm IST