LDF bags 21 seats in local bodies bypolls

The ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala Friday bagged 21 of the 39 seats in the keenly fought bypolls to the local bodies. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) came second with 12 seats, the results of which were announced Friday.

However, the BJP, which has led frenzied protests over the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala, failed to make political dividends as expected and got only two seats. The November 29 bypolls were held in 27 panchayats, five block panchayats, six municipalities and one corporation spread across 14 districts that had fallen vacant due to various reasons.

The Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political outfit of Popular Front of India, returned two candidates, while independents won two seats. The UDF, however, lost five wards but was able to wrest four different wards from other parties. One of its candidates in Pathanamthitta municipalitywas defeated by a rebel Congress candidate.

(With inputs from agencies.)