UDF and NDA gain ground in Kerala polls
The results of Kerala’s local body elections have redrawn the state’s political map, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) making notable gains, while the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) suffered visible setbacks. The outcome reflects shifting voter moods at the grassroots level and signals a more competitive political landscape across the state.
The UDF emerged stronger across Kerala, registering gains in several local bodies and consolidating its presence, particularly in rural areas. According to the latest figures, the alliance secured a majority in 367 gram panchayats, underlining its continued appeal among voters dissatisfied with the performance of the Left government at the local level. In contrast, the LDF managed to retain control of 234 gram panchayats, a significant drop from its previous tally, highlighting erosion in its traditional support base.
The BJP-led NDA, while still a smaller player in Kerala’s overall political arithmetic, recorded its most impressive performance yet in urban centres. The biggest highlight of the results was the NDA’s victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. By winning 50 seats in the 101-member council, the NDA secured a clear majority and took control of the civic body, ending the LDF’s rule in the state capital. The result is being seen as a breakthrough moment for the BJP in Kerala, where it has long struggled to convert vote share into administrative power.
The NDA also held its ground in Palakkad Municipality, repeating its earlier performance by winning 25 of the 53 seats. With these numbers, the alliance is expected to retain control of the local body, reinforcing Palakkad’s reputation as a key foothold for the BJP in the state. Additionally, the NDA managed to win a majority in five gram panchayats, modest in number but symbolically significant in a state dominated for decades by the Left and the Congress.
At the municipal and corporation level, the UDF also made steady progress. It gained control of three corporations, adding to its momentum and strengthening its claim as the primary challenger to the LDF ahead of future elections. The LDF, meanwhile, failed to replicate its earlier dominance and lost several local bodies to both the UDF and the NDA, raising questions within the Left about governance, anti-incumbency and organisational strength.
At the district level, the results were closely contested. Of Kerala’s 14 district panchayats, seven went to the UDF, while the LDF secured six, reflecting a near-even split and a highly competitive political environment. Together, the results suggest that Kerala’s voters are increasingly open to alternatives, rewarding performance over loyalty. As parties assess the verdict, these grassroots shifts are likely to shape strategies for the assembly and parliamentary battles ahead.