Counting of votes for Kerala’s wide-ranging local body elections began on Saturday, setting the stage for a politically significant shift across the state. Early trends indicate that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has gained a clear edge over the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), which appears to be losing ground in several key urban centres.
According to initial results, the UDF has taken the lead in four of Kerala’s six municipal corporations, including Thrissur, Kollam and Kochi, reflecting strong urban support. In contrast, the LDF has managed to retain an advantage only in Kozhikode, highlighting the challenge facing the ruling alliance in these civic contests.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to expand its presence in the southern state, has posted its strongest showing in Thiruvananthapuram. Early trends suggest the BJP is leading in a substantial number of wards in the state capital, ahead of both the UDF and the LDF. The outcome in Thiruvananthapuram is being closely watched, as the city also sends Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to the Lok Sabha.
Beyond the municipal corporations, counting is underway in dozens of municipalities across Kerala. Trends indicate that the UDF is ahead in a majority of these local bodies, while the LDF trails behind. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has opened its account in a limited number of municipalities, signalling incremental but notable gains.
Statewide figures released by the Kerala State Election Commission show the UDF leading on several hundred wards, well ahead of the LDF, with the NDA and independent candidates trailing further behind. Counting is being conducted at 244 centres and district collectorates across the state, with officials reporting minor procedural issues at a few locations that were promptly addressed.
Polling for the local bodies was held earlier this month in two phases across seven districts, witnessing high voter participation. Political analysts view these civic elections as a crucial indicator of public mood ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
