In a significant political development in Kerala's Mattathur panchayat, all eight elected Congress members resigned from the party and formed an alliance with the BJP. This move led to an independent candidate, Tessy Jose Kallarakkal, being elected panchayat president with their combined support, ending the Left's 23-year rule. The rebel councillors cited dissatisfaction with local Congress leadership. The BJP stated the decision respects the council's mandate.