UDF candidate Rijil Makkutty celebrating his victory in the Adikadalayi division of Kannur Corporation in the local body polls.
| Photo Credit: S.K. Mohan
Delivering a major setback to the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF) secured a clear majority in the Kannur Corporation by winning 36 of the 56 wards.
In the Kannur Corporation, where 1,35,780 of the total 1,93,079 voters cast their vote, the LDF finished a distant second with 14 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won four seats. Besides retaining the Pallikunnu ward, the NDA also won Kokkenpara, Thulicheri and Temple wards. The Congress lost the Thulicheri and Temple wards to the BJP.
Compared to the previous election, the UDF improved its tally from 34 to 36 seats, while the LDF’s strength fell from 19 to 15 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increased its representation by three seats. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) also secured one seat from the Arakkal ward.
Several prominent LDF leaders suffered defeats. P.K. Ragesh lost from Panikkara, former State Sports Council president O.K. Vineesh was defeated in Thalikkavu, and former standing committee chairperson K.P. Sabira lost from Arakkal.
Meanwhile, three rebel candidates who contested against the UDF in Payyambalam (K.N. Bindu), Varam (K.V. Riyas) and Adikadalayi (V. Muhammadali) wards were defeated, further consolidating the UDF’s position in the Corporation.
Following the victory, UDF workers celebrated across key parts of the city, bursting firecrackers and holding victory marches. UDF convener P.T. Mathew, DCC president Martin George, IUML district president Abdul Kareem Cheleri, and former Mayor Muslih Madathil led a victory procession in an open vehicle along with the elected candidates, greeting the public. Party workers participated in large numbers, carrying flags and banners.
Published – December 13, 2025 07:11 pm IST
