UDF assumes power in 71 of 82 panchayats in Ernakulam

In a major shift in political equations, the Kitex-backed Twenty20 supported the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Vadavucode-Puthencruz grama panchayat in Ernakulam district.

Congress’ Reji Thomas was elected panchayat president on Saturday (December 27, 2025) as two ward members of Twenty20 voted for him. The Congress’ Deepa Biju was elected vice-president. It helped the UDF wrest the panchayat from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) after 10 years, though it has only seven members, while the LDF has eight.

The UDF has come to power in 71 of the 82 grama panchayats in the district, while the LDF has been restricted to seven. District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas termed it a ‘record win’ for the Congress and its allies in Ernakulam. Twenty20 has won the president’s post in four grama panchayats.

The election of heads of grama panchayats and block panchayats had its share of twists and turns, besides the surprise ‘coalition’ in Vadavucode-Puthencruz grama panchayat.

In Vadavucode block panchayat, the LDF’s Amrutha Sanoop became president through draw of lots as both the LDF and the UDF had five members each. Twenty20 has four members there. Vypeen is the only other block panchayat where the LDF has come to power, while the UDF has won the remaining 12.

The LDF’s K.P. James became president in Pothanikkad grama panchayat through draw of lots.

In Chendamangalam grama panchayat, CPI(M) rebel Fazal Rahman voted for the Congress’ P.A. Haridas who was elected president. Mr. Rahman’s stand proved crucial as it helped the UDF, which has nine members, gain the required majority of 10 votes.

The elections in Vengola grama panchayat was postponed after members of the LDF and Twenty20 did not turn up for voting.

The four grama panchayats where the Twenty20 won power are Kizhakkambalam, Aikkaranadu, Thiruvaniyoor, and Poothrikka. In Poothrikka, where both the UDF and Twenty20 had won seven seats each and the LDF two, Twenty20 won the president’s post through draw of lots. The Congress bagged the vice-president’s position.