The Indian National Congress (INC) has secured a notable victory in Kuthiathode Ward 1 – Pallithode in the 2025 Local Body General Election, with Jini Sebastian emerging victorious in a five-cornered contest. She polled 439 votes, defeating independent candidate Jaison Peter, who finished second with 335 votes.
In the final tally, CPI(M) candidate O I Stalin secured 212 votes, while BJP candidate Binu polled 79 votes. NCP candidate Sanu trailed with 9 votes. As per the latest electoral roll, the ward has a total of 1,365 registered voters.
The result marks a shift in political control in Pallithode. The ward was represented during the 2020–2025 term by P P Pratheesh of CPI(M), who also served as the Vice President of the local body when the seat was reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC).
Earlier, during the 2015–2020 term, the ward was held by Mary (Kunjumol) of the Indian National Congress, who served as Vice President when the seat was reserved for women. Going further back, Jaison Peter had represented the ward in 2010 as a CPI(M) member.
At 38 years of age, Jini Sebastian was the only woman candidate contesting in 2025. A resident of Chettiveliyakath Veedu, Pallithode, she holds a Plus Two qualification and comes from a working-class fishing family, with her husband engaged in fishing. Her background closely resonates with the electorate of this seaside ward, where fishing and allied livelihoods form the economic backbone.
Political observers note that the Congress victory reflects voter confidence in grassroots leadership and community-oriented representation. With key issues such as fishermen’s welfare, coastal protection, housing, and basic infrastructure remaining central concerns, expectations are high from the newly elected ward member.