Kerala Local Bodies Elections: Early Trends and Outcomes

As votes for Kerala's 1,199 local bodies are counted, the LDF shows a lead in more grama and block panchayats, while the UDF is ahead in municipalities and corporations. The results will influence future political campaigns before the 2026 assembly elections. Oath ceremonies follow on December 21.

The Kerala local bodies elections have showcased a fierce contest between major political fronts, with the State Election Commission's early data revealing significant leads for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in grama and block panchayats. Meanwhile, the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) is displaying dominance in municipalities and corporations.

By 9:25 am, the LDF was leading in 261 grama panchayats, whereas the UDF was ahead in 228, along with 43 municipalities, 7 district panchayats, and 4 corporations. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has made its mark by leading in 15 grama panchayats, 3 municipalities, and one corporation. Notably, in Thiruvananthapuram, where the LDF has ruled for 45 years, the NDA is currently leading with the LDF closely trailing.

Counting is being conducted across 244 centres and 14 district collectorates. Some issues arose at a few counting centres, concerning booth agent access, raising tensions in locations like Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Vadakara. The election outcomes are expected to significantly shape political strategies ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, with elected officials taking their oaths on December 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)