Malappuram district, long regarded as a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), has consistently backed the United Democratic Front (UDF). As the district heads to the local body polls on December 11, the IUML exudes confidence aiming not only to keep local bodies under the UDF’s control but also to seize a few more from the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).
As the campaign enters its final phase, the UDF has centred its narrative on what it describes as the failures of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, while the LDF, in turn, has been portraying itself as the champion of development.
Of the district’s 94 grama panchayats, the UDF currently governs 68. In the 2020 elections, it had secured 63. Over the last five years, the UDF has taken control of five additional panchayats, shifting from a tie with the LDF to a clear majority.
“This rise in the UDF’s seat tally reflects the coalition’s growing popularity in the district over the past five years,” said Abdurahman Randathani, IUML State secretary.
Of the district’s 12 municipalities, nine are currently under UDF control, while the LDF governs only three. The LDF is confident of retaining Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, and Nilambur. LDF leaders said the front has devised a strategy to capture at least two more municipalities from among Parappanangadi, Tirurangadi, Tanur, Tirur, Kottakkal, Malappuram, Manjeri, Kondotty and Valanchery.
The UDF currently holds power in 12 of the 15 block panchayats. The LDF, however, says its new strategies will help it strengthen its position beyond the three block panchayats it now controls.
The UDF, especially the Muslim League, enjoys a strong footing in the district panchayat. The IUML holds 21 of the 32 divisions, while its ally, the Congress, has six members. The LDF has only five. Following the recent delimitation, the number of divisions has increased to 33.
Delimitation
The recent delimitation in Malappuram led to an increase of 277 wards across grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities, and the district panchayat.
The voter population in the district has grown to 35.74 lakh, with the number of wards rising to 2,789. Elections are being held for 2,001 grama panchayat wards, 505 municipal wards, 33 district panchayat wards, and 250 block panchayat wards.
The Ponmundam grama panchayat remains a rare exception in the UDF stronghold, where the Congress and CPI(M) have allied against the IUML. “Yet we are confident of retaining the panchayat,” said Mr. Randathani.
Both fronts have adopted the strategy of fielding Independent candidates in wards where their prospects have been weak. However, the LDF has more independent candidates than the UDF.
Both fronts are facing rebel challenges in several panchayats, though the number of rebels has decreased compared to the 2020 elections. Nonetheless, both sides acknowledge that the presence of rebels could play a crucial role in deciding which front will control the local bodies.
Published – December 06, 2025 09:39 am IST
