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Local body poll results signal shift in Kerala politics: BJP leader Prakash Javadekar
Mr. Javadekar said the outcome in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was not an ordinary result
Anti-incumbency dashes Lefts hopes in local body polls in Kerala
The rout of the Left is more pronounced nKottayam,Idukki,ErnakulamandMalappuram districts, which are old citadels of the UDF. Urban voters have turned their back on the Left
A 2017 rape case in Kerala's film industry has ignited a powerful movement for women's rights. Despite a recent court verdict clearing actor Dileep, public outrage and support for the survivor are immense. This has spurred systemic changes, including new funds and committees. Kerala's film professionals are creating their own vocabulary for change, demonstrating a significant shift in the industry.
Left out, BJP wins Thiruvananthapuram
The BJP has secured a significant victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls. This win marks a major boost for the party's efforts in Kerala. The BJP won 50 out of 100 seats, surpassing previous results. This outcome signals a shift in Kerala's political landscape.
AAP Carves Out Space In Kerala Politics:3 Women Candidates Win In Local Body Polls
The Aam Aadmi Party had fielded candidates in around 380 seats across the state, focusing on over 400 panchayats and four corporations
Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday congratulated Beena Kurian, Sini Antony and Smitha Luke on their victory in the Kerala local body elections, calling it a reflection of the growing trust of the people in the party's politics of honesty and public service.
Landslide victory helps UDF cushion blow from Congress rebels in Kochi
Tractor rams into pilgrims in Sabarimala
UDF notches up gains in block and grama panchayats
UDF puts up an impressive show across three-tier panchayats in Ernakulam
SC saves Karate teacher from arrest in POCSO case filed by former student
Interim protection granted despite denial of anticipatory bail by trial court and High Court
UDF breaches LDF citadels in Kozhikode, NDA makes gains in urban areas
Though theLDFjust managed to retain power in the 76-memberKozhikodeCorporation council and won eight of the 12 block panchayats, it narrowly lost the district panchayat and surrendered its supremacy ingramapanchayats to the UDF
Celebrations turn deadly as firecracker blast kills youth
BJP leaders says NDA now a key force in bipolar Kerala politics
NDA substantially augmented its ward tally, securing outright majorities in two municipalities and 19 grama panchayats. The BJP is set to send 249 members to grama panchayats, 37 to block panchayats, two to district panchayats, 320 to municipalities, and 60 to Corporations
UDF emerges stronger in its Ernakulam fort
The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has been restricted to only a handful of local bodies, while the results have left the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance smiling, as it won the Thripunithura municipality
Pandalam slips from BJPs grip as Sabarimala strategy falters
LDF tightens three-decade grip on Nedumangad municipality
Four of the five MLAs in the fray emerge victorious
'LDF Didn't Achieve Expected Results': Kerala CM's First Statement After Setback In Local Body Polls
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the LDF did not achieve the expected results in the local body elections and promised corrective measures.
Accident victim gives fresh lease of life to five others
LDF activist in Kerala loses bet, shaves off moustache
Twenty20 loses power in two panchayats, makes no impact in Kochi Corporation
LDF comes out on top in Attingal municipality
Kerala local body polls: UDF emerges dominant in municipalities as LDF loses ground
Of the 86 municipalities that went to polls, UDF emerged victorious in 54, LDF in 28, and NDA in two. NDA fails to retain Pandalam, but wins Tripunithura. LDF could not hold on to Karunagapally. Independents emerge as the single largest group in Erattupetta municipality
Kerala local body polls: LDF hegemony weakens in Kollam
UDF surge confined to Corporation limits as Left front maintains dominance across rural and semi-urban Thrissur. LDF retains district panchayat, wins in five out of seven municipalities
From red dawn to blue wave: UDF turns despair to dominance in a matter of hours in Kochi Corporation
From a sense of being doomed to turning the tables on the LDF in what promised to be a cliffhanger of a contest, and finally, the sheer ecstasy of coasting easily past the simple majority mark, UDF experienced it all
Kerala local body polls: UDF makes inroads into Kottayam
The UDF wins 16 and LDF seven out of the 23 district panchayat seats in Kottayam. The UDF regains power in two of six municipalities. The Pala municipality remains inconclusive, with the UDF and LDF tied at 10 and 11 seats, respectively. The BJP led NDA managed to seize power in three grama panchayats, including Aymanam and Poonjar Thekkekara.
Kerala local body polls: UDF, NDA make dents in LDFs strongholds in Alappuzha district
UDF wins five out of six municipalities. NDA comes second in Chengannur and Mavelikara municipalities, pushing the LDF to third spot. Though the Left front is in lead in grama and block panchayats, it registers dip in performance
Local body polls: BJP makes it three in a row in Palakkad municipality
BJP secures 25 of the 53 seats in the municipal council. Though it fell short of a majority by two seats, the BJP being the party with the maximum number of councillors will continue to rule the municipality
The front also views the victory as a stepping stone to winning the Assembly elections in 2026. Satheesan credits Team UDF for reasserting its political identity as the sole bulwark against Hindutva ascendancy. Mallikarjun Kharges post on X reflected the partys newfound optimism.UDFs emergence as a big tent accommodating varied social groups catalysed the coalitions best performance since the first elections for local bodies in1995.
2025 local body polls: Congress-led United Democratic Front makes a comeback, LDF suffers setback
UDF sweeps 10 municipalities in Ernakulam
NDA delivers a shocker to LDF in Thripunithura
Local body polls: LDF to analyse reasons for poll debacle
CPI(M) says the UDF and the BJP helped each other defeat the LDF, and the support of communal elements that stood committed to a theocratic State also helped the UDF
UDF sweeps Wayanad district in local body polls
LDFs experiment with Independents fails to make impact in Koduvally
Kerala local body polls: Idukki gives UDF a resounding victory
The front sweeps to power in Thodupuzha and Kattappana municipalities, district panchayat, and most of the block and grama panchayats. LDF fails to repeat its performance of 2020, while NDAs victory was confined to nine seats in Thodupuzha municipality
IFFK 2025: Kaathirippu is a riveting psychological drama on introspection and repentance
The 83-minute long film directed by Nipin Narayanan progresses through dialogue between two strangers, David and Anoop
LDF fails to get majority in Kozhikode Corporation, BJP makes big gains
Left Democratic Front managed to win only 35 of the 76 seats, while the United Democratic Front bagged 28 seats and the National Democratic Alliance 13 seats
LDF retains Varkala municipality
Counting of votes for the Kerala local body elections started on Saturday morning. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA secured 50 of 101 seats in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram's municipal corporation, ending decades of rule by the Left Democratic Front.
UDF makes major gains in civic bodies in Palakkad
UDF returns to power in Kannur Corporation
Family trio holds the key as voters deliver hung verdict in Pala municipality
Binu Pulikkakkandam, a CPI(M) renegade, his daughter Diya Binu, and his brother Biju Pulikkakkandam. While Mr. Pulikkakkandam, a businessman-turned-politician, emerged victorious from Ward 14, Ms. Binu, an economics graduate from Madras Christian College who is preparing to pursue an MBA degree, has won from Ward 15.
Watch: Kerala local polls: UDF surge, BJP wins Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
The Congress led UDF recorded a decisive victory in the Kerala local body elections, dealing a major setback to the ruling LDF.
On its own, Welfare Party of India wins four seats in Mukkom
Kerala local body polls: UDF bucks the trend inPathanamthitta, wins majority
UDF wins a clear majority in district panchayat, besides securing 34 grama panchayats and seven block panchayats. It also wins in three municipalities
Airbnb report says 55% of Indians plan winter trips every year; Goa, Kerala top picks
Winter has evolved as one of the countrys favourite travel seasons
Making brain death determination a standard of care in ICUs
This will make brain death certification a normal, non-negotiable definition of death, just as cardiac death, thereby opening up the possibility that brain death declaration and possible organ donation becomes a standard hospital procedure, not a transplant-driven activity.
LDF improves show to take Neyyattinkara
LDFs uninterrupted 25-year reign ends in Kollam Corporation
UDF wins 27 divisions in the 56-member council, LDF plummets from 39 seats in 2020 to just 16 seats, NDA wins 12 seats
Congress quashes Gopinathans challenge in Peringottukurissi, yet misses majority
UDF wrests control of Narath, Kunnothuparamba panchayats
IFFK 2025: Palestine 36 portrays the historical context of current conflicts
Palestine 36 is the opening film of the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala
Sister-in-law of K.K. Ragesh defeated in CPI(M) stronghold
Kerala civic poll results: Tharoor calls BJP's win in Thiruvananthapuram 'beauty of democracy'
As the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged as the single largest party in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, thereby marking the end of 45-year reign of CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor called the result as eauty of democracy. The NDA won 50 seats in the 101-member municipal corporation in Kerala's capital city, securing such a big mandate for the first time. Tharoor also lauded the performance of Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala local bodies elections. The Front showcased a thumping victory in both rural and urban civic bodies. In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency. What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through. A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020, Tharoor said. Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF misrule, but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance. That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency. We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards! Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said. What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through. A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 13, 2025 The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital. Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates. The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation. Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
CPI(M) rebel candidate wins Kara ward in Payyanur municipality
UDF retains Kasaragod municipality, IUML wins 23 of 24 seats
Retail inflation may reduce by 35 basis points in FY25-26; driven by GST reforms: Report
GST reforms are projected to reduce retail inflation by up to 35 basis points in 2025-26, with an estimated 25 basis points decline already observed between September and November 2025 due to rate adjustments. While Kerala faces higher inflation driven by specific commodity prices, national CPI is expected to average 1.8% in 2025-26.
Tharoor congratulates BJP on Keralas civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the beauty of democracy. In a post on X, he said the peoples verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The BJP-led NDA achieved significant gains in Kerala's local body elections, securing a majority in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation after 45 years of Left rule. The NDA also retained Palakkad municipality and wrested Thrippunithura Municipality from the Congress-led UDF, signaling a potential shift in the state's political landscape ahead of the assembly elections.
IPL Teams Will Definitely Eye Nizar For Firepower At Number Five Or Six, Says Karim
Tamil Nadu Premier League: Former India wicketkeeper-batter and selector Saba Karim said the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are likely to consider Salman Nizar for adding firepower in the number five or six role when the much-anticipated auction happens in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The left-handed Nizar grabbed everyones attention by smashing 11 sixes off his last 13 deliveries during a Kerala Cricket League (KCL) match for Calicut Globsters. Salman Nizar's credentials are clear from how he has batted in the Kerala Cricket League. He has the power and the clarity to hit big shots. When you find a batter like him with so much promise, where do you place him? I think any IPL franchise looking for an explosive number five or number six batter will definitely consider Salman Nizar in the auction, said Karim on JioStar. Former India batter Abhinav Mukund feels left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Tushar Raheja can trigger a bidding war in the mini IPL auction. Raheja played a pivotal role in Tiruppur Tamizhans' winning the 2025 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), amassing 488 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 185.55. Many think Tushar Raheja is young, but he has played in the TNPL for almost seven or eight seasons. He focuses on making big scores, and that stood out this season. He hits the ball well in the Power-play and plays spin very well. He smashed bowlers like Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravichandran Ashwin all over the ground. This is a player who earlier could not make the Tamil Nadu team. But with these performances, it will be hard to ignore him. I believe he has what it takes to succeed in the IPL. He strikes the ball well and hits big sixes. He is also a wicketkeeper, which adds to his value. It is a tough position to get into as an Indian opener, and you need extraordinary skill. But why not? We have seen players like Priyansh Arya make it big. Tushar Raheja definitely has the game, and I am sure some franchises will think about investing in him. This is a player who earlier could not make the Tamil Nadu team. But with these performances, it will be hard to ignore him. I believe he has what it takes to succeed in the IPL. He strikes the ball well and hits big sixes. He is also a wicketkeeper, which adds to his value. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I got a lot of opportunities. I went on a UK tour with the Mumbai Indians. Later, I was a net bowler for them. I go to every other team's trials every year. I know I am very close to being picked. But I needed a push. My performances in the Mumbai T20 league have given me that push. My top three favourite IPL teams are MI, CSK, and RCB, he said. Article Source: IANS
In Kerala Local Body Polls, A Big BJP Win, And Another Shashi Tharoor Stinger
The results in the local body elections in Kerala have come as a setback for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the state ahead of elections next year.
Kerala Civic Polls: LDF Welfare Push Fails, UDF Leads Majority
The oath-taking of elected panchayat members, municipal councillors and corporation members will be held on December 21
Saffron Surge In Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram Verdict Sets Tone For 2026 Poll Fight
The local body poll resultssaw the NDA capture power in the crucial civic agency for the first time
BJP-led NDA creates history in Kerala local polls, unseats LDF in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Of the 101 wards in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two by independent candidates
Kerala local body polls: UDF makes a strong comeback in Alappuzha, sweeps Malappuram
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) emerged victorious as the counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections concluded on Saturday. UDF made a comeback in Alappuzha district, showcasing a thumping victory over the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), signalling a significant turnaround from the 2020 results. The IUML-led United Democratic Front (UDF) tightened its political dominance in Malappuram and won an overwhelming majority of local bodies. Despite deep internal conflicts , rebellions, and factional infighting within the Congress and allied parties, the UDF retained Kattappana and Thodupuzha municipalities. UDF leads in Malappuram In Malappuram, the Front secured victory in all block panchayats except Ponnani. The UDF recorded a clean sweep in urban local bodies as well, winning all 11 municipalities, including key centres such as Nilambur and Perinthalmanna. A significant turnaround was seen in Perinthalmanna municipality, where the UDF returned to power after a gap of three decades. The IUML also staged a strong comeback in Nilambur municipality. With the backing of MLA P V Anvar, the UDF won all local bodies in the Nilambur Assembly constituency, including Vazhikkadavu, Moothedam, Edakkara, Karulai and Pothukal grama panchayats. Reacting to the results, IUML general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said the verdict reflected public rejection of the CPM-led LDFs politics. The CPM and the LDF were spreading divisive communal hatred among the people. This election has shown how decisively the public has rejected that agenda, he told the media. Meanwhile, IUML state president Pannakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said the outcome would have a direct bearing on the forthcoming Assembly elections. We thank the people for this victory. The mandate has exceeded our expectations. This election result marks our path to the Thiruvananthapuram Secretariat, he said. UDF's comeback in Alappuzha In the previous local body elections, the LDF had dominated Alappuzha district, winning more than 50 gram panchayats. In the municipalities, both Fronts had secured three each. However, this time, the trend has shifted decisively in favour of the UDF, gaining substantial ground in the gram panchayats and winning five of the six municipalities in the district. The UDF has also made notable gains in the district panchayat, where it is leading in a majority of divisions. This marks a major setback for the LDF, which had swept 22 of the 23 divisions in the 2020 elections. In Alappuzha municipality, the UDF emerged as the single largest front, winning 23 of the 53 divisions. The LDF secured 21 divisions, while the NDA won five. Four divisions were secured by others, including one each to the SDPI and PDP and two independent candidates. The outcome has resulted in a hung council, with independent members expected to play a decisive role in the formation of the municipal administration. In 2020, the LDF had won 35 seats, while the UDF had managed only 11. In Chengannur municipality, the UDF retained power by winning 13 divisions. The NDA won six divisions, the LDF won five, and independent candidates secured three seats. The LDF retained control of Cherthala municipality with 18 seats, while the UDF won 10 and the NDA secured four seats. The UDF retained Haripad municipality, winning 12 seats. The LDFs tally fell sharply to five seats from 10 in 2020. The NDA strengthened its presence by winning six seats, one more than in the previous election. In Kayamkulam municipality, the UDF wrested power from the LDF by securing 16 seats. The LDF, which had ruled the municipality with 23 seats in 2020, was reduced to nine seats. The NDA won four seats, marking a gain of one. Mavelikkara, which witnessed a triangular contest in 2020 with the LDF, UDF, and NDA winning nine seats each, saw a decisive shift in favour of the UDF this time. The UDF won 15 seats to secure a clear majority, while the NDA won eight seats and the LDF secured just four seats. UDF scrapes through Kattappana and Thodupuzha The UDF emerged victorious in both municipalities, defying expectations that sustained internal turmoil would hand an advantage to the LDF. Party insiders, however, described the outcome as a 'survival win' rather than a 'comfortable' victory. In Kattappana municipality, the UDF secured 20 seats, the LDF secured 12 seats, and others secured 3 seats. LDF candidate CR Murali emerged as a notable figure, defeating AICC member and former MLA EM Augusthy. Disputes over seat allocation escalated into a full-blown social media drama, with Facebook posts, WhatsApp forwards, and cryptic status updates overshadowing official campaign announcements. The entry of rebels, such as former municipal chairperson Beena Joby, denied her preferred ward, further splitting the local cadre. Even before polling, the Congress in Kattappana was grappling with internal rebellion. A section of party loyalists openly campaigned against their own senior leader, EM Augusthy, accusing the leadership of sidelining long-time workers. Former councillor Prashanth Raju and other activists posted critical throwbacks and commentary, creating a digital spectacle that drew more attention than formal campaign messaging. Dissatisfaction over ward redistribution and lack of consensus in candidate selection led to parallel campaigns within the same political camp. Meanwhile, rebels influenced outcomes in several wards, reducing margins for the candidates. A senior Congress leader acknowledged that while organisational strength and the traditional voter base helped the UDF stay afloat and the internal rift significantly weakened campaign coordination. This could have easily slipped away, the leader said, noting that reconciliation within the party will be essential for smooth municipal functioning. In Thodupuzha municipality, the UDF won 19 seats, while the LDF managed to secure 3 seats, the NDA won 9 seats, and others secured 7 seats. Despite many odds, the Front managed to edge past its rivals, aided by vote consolidation in key wards and traditional alliance arithmetic.
Kerala local body polls: Peoples verdict against anti-people government, says K. Sudhakaran
Public confidence in the UDF has increased significantly, says the Congress MP
Kerala local body polls: Public anger against Pinarayi govt fueled UDF momentum, says VD Satheesan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan attributed the United Democratic Fronts (UDF) victory in the local body elections to strong anti-incumbency sentiments and the CPMs shift toward majority appeasement. He argued that the CPM had adopted the communal agenda of the BJP, which ultimately benefited the latter, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram. Before the parliamentary elections, the CPM pursued minority appeasement, only to later switch to majority appeasement. UDF had consistently warned that such a strategy would serve only the BJP. The approach once followed by EMS in 1987 cannot succeed in 2025 or 2026, Satheesan said. Calling the win a continuation of UDFs success in recent by-elections, Satheesan dedicated the victory to Team UDF, which he said worked cohesively. UDF is not merely a coalition of parties; it is a political platform shaped by diverse social factors. The people have demonstrated that Team UDF is the largest political platform in Kerala, and it is poised to drive change, he added. Satheesan further noted that public resentment against the Pinarayi government was evident, and remarks by CPM leader MM Mani that belittled voters reflected the mindset of the CPM leadership. Expressing gratitude to the people, Satheesan assured that Team UDF would rise to the challenge of honouring the trust placed in them. He said the public response has energised the UDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections . Our preparations for the big battle will continue in the months ahead. Candidates will be announced earlier this time, and discussions are already underway, he said. #WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram | On Kerala local body elections result, LoP Kerala Assembly & Congress leader VD Satheesan says, I express my gratitude to the people of Kerala for the wonderful victory to UDF... This is the biggest victory we have ever seen... We have submitted a pic.twitter.com/Ah8Z7mXVgI ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2025
LoP Satheesan said the UDFs emergence as a big tent accommodating varied social groups catalysed the coalitions best performance since the first elections for local bodies in 1995
Kerala local body polls: PM Modi thanks voters of Thiruvananthapuram for NDAs victory
The NDA won from 50 wards in the 101-ward Corporation, while the LDF was reduced to 29 wards
NDAs win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation watershed moment in Kerala politics: PM Modi
New Delhi, Dec 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday termed the mandate received by the BJP-led NDA in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation a watershed moment in Keralas politics and expressed gratitude to the BJP workers for the spectacular results. The Left parties suffered a major setback in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, held by them for 45 years, as the BJP-led NDA surged ahead with a huge lead. Reacting to the civic body results, the prime minister said it is a day [] The post NDAs win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation watershed moment in Kerala politics: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Besides this, NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
Kerala local body polls: UDF retains four municipalities, LDF holds three in Kozhikode
Continuity marks municipal verdict in Kozhikode district amid anti-incumbency trend in Kerala
'Watershed Moment': PM Modi Praises BJP Workers After Thiruvananthapuram Civic Poll Victory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called BJP-NDAs Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls success a watershed moment in Keralas politics and thanked voters for their support.
Kerala local body polls: Twenty20 crashes in Kochi as Kitex outfit shrinks to margins
While the outfit retained power in Kizhakkambalam panchayat, its headquarters, and Aikkaranadu panchayat, it lost Kunnathunadu and Mazhuvannoor panchayats
BJP Kerala president says the outcome shows that LDFs 10-year tenure has been a complete failure, marked by corruption and administrative shortcomings
Kerala local body polls: BJP wins third straight term in Palakkad municipality
Secures 25 of 53 seats in Palakkad municipal council
Kerala election results 2025: The BJP-led NDA received a huge boost after the alliance crossed the magic mark in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation. R Sreelekha's win from Thiruvananthapuram came as big relief for the party. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also acknowledged BJP's 'historic performance' and called it 'notable shift in the capital's political landscape.'
The Kozhikode Corporation, ruled by the LDF for around five decades, is seeing a neck-and-neck fight
Post-poll arithmetic pushes UDFLDF talks in Palakkad municipality to block NDA
PALAKKAD: With no political front securing a clear majority in the Palakkad municipality, post-poll negotiations have swiftly moved from informal exchanges to structured political engagement. Senior party leaders and local functionaries across fronts confirm that exploratory talks are underway between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to forge a tactical understandingon the lines of an INDIA-bloc-style coordination at the civic levelto prevent the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) from forming the municipal administration. The municipal arithmetic has left little room for ambiguity. In the 53-member council, the NDA has emerged as the single largest bloc with 25 seats, falling two short of the 27 required for a simple majority. The UDF has secured 18 wards, the LDF nine, along with the presence of a Congress rebel. Taken together, the UDFLDF tally comfortably crosses the majority mark, providing the numerical basis for a potential alternative administration, should both fronts agree on a working arrangement. Signals from the fronts Public statements from UDF leaders underline the seriousness of the discussions. Palakkad UDF convenor Balagopal P told TNIE that the priority is to keep the NDA out of power, with the finer contours of any arrangement to be decided at the state leadership level. The emphasis, he suggested, is on political strategy rather than immediate portfolio negotiations. At any cost, we will keep away NDA from the power, he affirmed. Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram Meanwhile, a visibly shaken BJP state vice president C Krishnakumar, who spearheaded the NDAs campaign in Palakkad, hoping to win at least 32 wards this time, described any UDFLDF understanding as a distortion of the electoral mandate. He argued that both fronts had tacitly worked against the NDA during the polls and maintained that the BJPs emergence as the largest bloc reflected voter endorsement despite those efforts. The political churn in Palakkad carries significance beyond local governance. Over the past decade, the municipality has occupied a pivotal place in Keralas political landscape as the first civic body where the BJP succeeded in capturing poweran event widely seen as a turning point in the partys expansion at the grassroots level in the state. As negotiations continue behind the scenes, the final shape of Palakkads municipal administration will hinge not just on arithmetic, but on how far traditional rivals are willing to stretch political pragmatism to achieve a shared objective.
Kerala local body polls: BJPs Muslim candidate registers surprise win
Thrissur: In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Partys Muslim candidate, Mumtaz, has won the Kannankulangara ward in the Thrissur Corporation elections, wresting the seat from the Congress. The victory is being viewed as a notable success of the BJPs strategy to make inroads into Congress-held wards in the corporation. While the party had Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
LDF wins only 22 seats, including two independents it supported, which was worse than its tally of 24 in 2010
Trouble For Gopi, Opportunity For Tharoor: What Kerala Local Body Results Really Reveal
The 2025 local body polls in Kerala are clearly a stark contrast of loud failures and subtle wins and smart politicking
Actress sexual assault: Court says Prosecution 'miserably' failed to prove conspiracy against Dileep
A court has acquitted actor Dileep in the sensational 2017 actress sexual assault case. The judge stated the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy charges. Key evidence regarding a gold ring was found inconsistent. Approvers' statements also changed during the trial. The court found no reliable evidence for the alleged motive or planning.
Kerala local body polls: UDF sweeps Malappuram
UDF won 11 of the 12 municipalities, 84 of the 94 grama panchayats, 14 of the 15 block panchayats, and 31 of the 33 district panchayat council in Malappuram
BJP candidate R Sreelekha won from the Sasthamangalam division in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation in a big boost for the NDA. R Sreelekha is the first woman IPS officer who retired as DGP in 2020 and later joined the BJP. She earned the title of 'Raid Sreelekha' or her high-visibility operations when she was on deputation with the CBI.
Kerala local body polls: After five years, Congress-led UDF romps back to power in Kochi Corporation
By noon, UDF was leading in 45 divisions, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was ahead in only 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was leading in six divisions, and independents in five. The UDF is on the cusp of replicating its best performance in recent times, the victory in 2010 when it bagged 48 seats.
Of the 13 municipalities, the United front was leading in 12 municipalities
