Kerala's Local Elections: A Key Indicator for State Politics

Voters in seven districts of Kerala began casting ballots in local elections, seen as a crucial indicator ahead of the state legislative assembly contest in 2021. The 1,32,83,789 eligible voters are deciding the fate of 75,632 candidates across 23,576 wards. Results will be announced on December 13.

Voters in seven districts of Kerala began casting ballots on Tuesday in the first phase of pivotal local elections, considered by many as a key predictor for next year's state legislative assembly contest.

Polling commenced at 7 am across seven districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Voters will cast their votes until 6 pm, while voters in the remaining seven districts will head to the polls on December 11.

The Election Commission states that 1,32,83,789 voters are eligible to determine the outcome for 75,632 candidates in 23,576 wards statewide over the two-phase election. Results for all 1,199 local bodies will be announced on December 13, with the election seen as a litmus test ahead of the major political showdown in the southern state.

Political parties are vigorously competing to secure an edge in the voting. The opposition Congress is leveraging public concern over the Sabarimala gold missing case, while the ruling Left Democratic Front is relying on its development and welfare initiatives. Meanwhile, the BJP is pushing for traction with a campaign focusing on religious issues, including the management of the Sabarimala temple.

As voting occurs in the first seven districts, campaigning in the remaining seven districts was set to conclude on Tuesday evening.

(With inputs from agencies.)