KOCHI: The results of Kerala’s local body elections signal a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, with the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) emerging as the dominant force across most tiers of local governance.
The UDF recorded notable gains at the expense of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), which struggled to defend several strongholds.
The elections, widely seen as a bellwether ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, also highlight a limited but visible expansion by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly in urban centres such as Thiruvananthapuram.
The UDF secured victories in four of the six corporations, reclaiming key cities from the LDF, which had dominated urban areas in 2020.
Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur fell to the UDF, marking important inroads into long-held Left bastions.
The BJP-led NDA achieved a breakthrough by winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, while Kozhikode remained the LDF’s sole corporate stronghold.
The UDF surge extended to municipalities, winning 54 of 86 seats and making gains in urban and semi-urban districts such as Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kottayam and parts of Palakkad.
The front also regained ground in Pathanamthitta and Idukki.
The LDF retained control in certain traditional bastions—including parts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Kannur municipalities.
The NDA maintained a smaller presence but registered notable wins, retaining Palakkad municipality and capturing Tripunithura.
Commenting on the Thiruvananthapuram win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Thank you Thiruvananthapuram! The mandate the BJP-NDA got in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a watershed moment in Kerala’s politics. The people are certain that the development aspirations of the state can only be addressed by our Party. Our Party will work towards this vibrant city’s growth and boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people."
Everything that happened throughout the day- According to the final results, the BJP-led alliance secured 50 wards, the LDF won 29, and the UDF took 19. Independent candidates claimed victory in two wards.
- Breaking: UDF ends LDF’s 25-year hold on Kollam Corporation, wins 22 seats.
- "I also want to acknowledge the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city Corporation — a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape. I campaigned for a change from 45 years of LDF misrule but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance," says Shashi Tharoor.
- Breaking: BJP-led NDA clinches victory in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls.
- UDF sweep continues in 82 block panchayats while LDF is leading in 65 blocks.
- NDA secures 50 seats in Thiruvananthapuram, on the brink of winning the corporation. Majority mark stands at 51; counting continues for three remaining seats.
- Breaking: The vote counting for the Tripunithura Municipality in Ernakulam district has been completed, with the NDA emerging victorious by a slender margin of one seat over the LDF.
NDA: 21 seats
LDF: 20 seats
UDF: 12 seats
Others: 0 seats
- R Sreelekha, a retired IPS officer and the first woman to join the Kerala cadre, has won from the Sasthamangalam division in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation.
- UDF crosses required majority of 39 seats in Kochi Corporation, wins 44 seats.
- According to the Trends by the State Election Commission, Kerala, UDF led by the Congress is leading on 387 wards, LDF led by CPI(M) is leading on 283 wards, NDA led by the BJP is leading on 71 wards, and Others are leading on 59 wards in the Kerala local body elections.
- LDF leading in Kozhikode corporation and NDA in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Breaking: UDF defeats LDF in Palayam ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation.
- LDF leads in 334 grama panchayats, UDF in 296.
- By 9.06 am, the NDA lost some momentum, with leads dropping to 10 in gram panchayats, 1 in block panchayat, 4 in municipalities, and 0 in municipal corporations.
- Trends at 8.51am indicated the LDF leading in 136 Gram Panchayat seats, while the UDF led in 113. Among 87 municipalities, the LDF and UDF were leading in 29 and 28 seats, respectively.
Some issues were reported at a few centres, including Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Vadakara, over entry of booth agents and candidates.
The results are seen as an important indicator ahead of the 2026 Kerala assembly elections, shaping the future campaigning strategies of political parties and fronts in the state.
The oath-taking ceremonies for elected panchayat members and municipal councillors will be held at 10 am on December 21, while corporation councillors will take oath at 11am the same day.
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