A Congress supporter celebrates UDF’s victory in the local body elections in Kochi on Saturday.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) rode on a definite surge across Kerala to emerge as the dominant force across municipalities in the local body elections.
Of the 86 municipalities that went to polls, UDF emerged victorious in 54, significantly improving its position in the 2020 polls. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) won 28 municipalities, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)’s control remains limited to two municipalities. Elections were not held in Mattannur municipality since the term of the present council will expire only on September 10, 2027.
In terms of wards, the UDF secured 1,458 seats, comfortably ahead of the LDF’s 1,100, while the NDA won 324. This marks a notable rise for the UDF from its 2020 tally of 45 municipalities and 1,172 wards. The LDF, which had won 35 municipalities and 1,167 wards five years ago, fell short of replicating that performance. The NDA’s overall numbers remained largely steady.
The UDF registered sweeping gains in districts such as Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Malappuram and Kottayam, and also regained lost ground in Pathanamthitta and Kollam. The LDF managed to retain pockets of influence in traditional strongholds including Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur, but conceded ground elsewhere.
Though marginal in overall terms, the NDA made its presence felt by retaining Palakkad municipality, winning Tripunithura municipality and emerging as a decisive factor in tightly contested councils. The BJP-led coalition, however, lost control over the Pandalam municipality that it won the last time.
In Thiruvananthapuram district, the LDF maintained its dominance and retained all four municipalities, viz., Attingal, Nedumangad, Neyyattinkara, and Varkala. However, in Kollam, the Left held on to Kottarakara, Paravoor, and Punalur municipalities, but ceded Karunagapally municipality to the UDF.
Saving grace
Pathanamthitta district saw a clear UDF resurgence as the Congress-led coalition won the Pathanamthitta, Adoor and Thiruvalla municipalities. LDF’s victory in Pandalam municipality was the coalition’s saving grace in the district. The UDF dominated in Alappuzha district too by winning five of the six municipalities, leaving the LDF with Cherthala as its lone holdout.
Kottayam sprang a surprise as Independents emerged as the single largest group in Erattupetta municipality, while Pala produced a hung verdict, with Independents poised to play kingmakers. The UDF won the four other municipalities, viz., Changanassery, Ettumanur, Kottayam, and Vaikom.
While the UDF retained both municipalities in Idukki, the NDA finished ahead of the LDF in Thodupuzha to underline the BJP’s growing influence in certain pockets within the district.
Biggest success story
Ernakulam district proved to be the UDF’s biggest success story as the coalition registered victories in nearly all municipalities. Tripunithura municipality was the sole exception, where the NDA clinched a significant win.
Thrissur district saw a near status quo, with the LDF winning five municipalities and the UDF two. Palakkad district witnessed a surprise UDF swing, with the front winning four of seven municipalities. While the coalitions, including NDA, retained most of their municipalities they had won in 2020, UDF additionally wrested Mannarkkad municipality from LDF. Malappuram reaffirmed its status as a UDF stronghold as it won 11 of 12 municipalities.
Wayanad gave LDF reasons to cheer as it wrested Sulthan Bathery municipality from UDF, besides retaining the Kalpetta municipality. The UDF could only win Mananthavady municipality.
Published – December 13, 2025 08:34 pm IST
