The CPI(M)-led LDF retained its grip on the Varkala municipality, vastly improving its performance from 12 seats in 2020 to 16 this time, indicate data released by the State Election Commission (SEC) following the counting of votes on Saturday.
The BJP-led NDA’s tally fell from 11 last time to 10 in 2025, while that of the Congress-led UDF dipped from 7 seats to 6. Independents won two seats.
Following the ward delimitation in local bodies in Kerala, the number of wards in the coastal municipality had increased from 33 to 34.
The newly-formed Janardhanapuram ward was won by the LDF’s Anushree.
The three-cornered fight in Varkala municipality had garnered a lot of attention this time on account of the sharp rise of the BJP in the 2020 elections, the infighting within the UDF and the presence of rebels.
LDF wrested the Karunilakode, Chaluvila, Kallamkonam and Sivagiri wards from the BJP, and Kallazhi, Cherumkunnam, Maithanam wards from the Congress.
UDF wrested Kanwasramam ward from the BJP, and Raghunathapuram and Panayil from the LDF. BJP took Teachers Colony, Municipal Office from the LDF and Jawahar Park from the UDF.
LDF won the following wards: Vilakkulam, Idapparambu, Janathamukku, Karunilakode, Kallazhi, Chaluvila, Kallamkonam, Cherukunnam, Sivagiri, Puthenchantha, Vallakadavu, Maithanam, Janardhanapuram, Mundayil, Papanasam and Kurakkanni.
NDA won Ayanikkuzhivila, Kannamba, Teachers Colony, Thachankonam, Perumkulam, Municipal Office, Hospital, Temple, Jawahar Park and Pinnamoodu.
UDF won Pullanikode, Kanwasramam, Raghunathapuram, Panayil, Kottumoola and Panayil.
Nadayara and Ramanthali fell to independent candidates.
In the 2020 elections, the LDF, with 12 seats, had managed to retain power in the 33-ward municipality with the aid of three independents. The UDF was pushed to third spot with seven seats, yielding the status of main Opposition party to the BJP. The latter had increased its score from three wards in 2015 to 11 in 2020.
Published – December 13, 2025 07:29 pm IST
