LDF seeks resignation of Muvattupuzha chairperson

Kochi: Left Democratic Front (LDF) intensified its demand for resignation of Muvattupuzha municipal chairperson Joice Mary Antony, alleging that she submitted false information regarding her educational qualifications in her election nomination papers. They have announced a protest march to municipal office on Thursday.The move followed admission of a petition by Muvattupuzha Munsiff Court seeking Antony's disqualification. Petition was filed by a voter from ward 24, from where she was elected. LDF leaders also alleged that the chairperson did not accept the court notice issued to her.According to LDF, Antony declared in 2015 that she completed senior secondary education in Form No 2A submitted along with her nomination papers, as mandated under Section 108(1A) of Kerala Municipal Act. However, in her 2020 filing, she reportedly stated that she obtained a BBA degree in 2020 from Arunodaya University, which LDF leaders claimed was false.CPM area secretary Aneesh M Mathew told TOI that continuing in office after allegedly furnishing false educational qualifications amounted to a challenge to democratic principles. He alleged that despite getting court notice, the respondent did not accept it, raising suspicions of attempts to make duplicate certificates.