ALAPPUZHA
A fierce three-cornered contest is unfolding in the Chengannur municipality, where the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is fighting to retain its hold, while both the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) are determined to wrest control.
Over the past two decades, the UDF has largely held sway over the civic body, spending only a brief period in the opposition. The UDF secured victories in the municipal elections of 2010, 2015, and 2020.
In the 2020 polls, the UDF retained power by winning 16 of the 27 seats. The NDA bagged seven seats, while the LDF had to settle for three and an Independent candidate won one.
The UDF believes its “good governance and corruption-free” rule over the past 15 years will help it retain the municipality. “We are seeking another term based on our performance. The UDF rule has delivered what it promised and we are confident of returning to power,” says Sobha Varghese, chairperson, Chengannur municipality.
In the last five years, the civic body has had three chairpersons — Susamma Abraham, Mariamma John, and Shobha Varghese — all from the Congress, who shared the post as per an internal agreement.
While aiming to retain the municipality, the biggest challenge the Congress faces is its internal rift. As the elections draw near, the party hopes to set aside its internal rumblings and project a united front.
The BJP, which is the principal Opposition in the council, considers the upcoming polls a prestige contest and is planning a well-coordinated campaign aimed at winning as many seats as possible.
“We are facing the local body polls with the sole aim of gaining power in the municipality. While in the Opposition, we exposed the UDF’s misrule. Though the BJP-led Union government has introduced several projects, including housing schemes, their implementation in the municipality has been tardy,” says Manu Krishnan M. of the NDA.
The LDF, on the other hand, is banking on anti-incumbency and the development works of the State government to wrest control of the municipality.
“Whatever development Chengannur has witnessed in recent years is the result of the State government’s initiatives. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, the local MLA, has carried out several development projects in the region. The LDF is confident of a good performance this time,” says V.S. Savitha of the LDF.
With the elections drawing near,it remains to be seen whether internal issues and seat-sharing disputes within the political fronts will affect their prospects.
Published – October 30, 2025 07:52 am IST
