As the local body elections approach, political fronts in Ernakulam are counting on every institution to secure a win and shape a broader political narrative ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
With the local body elections seen as a prelude to the Assembly polls due in a few months, all three fronts are keen to improve their tally in grama panchayats in the district. For the United Democratic Front (UDF), adding more panchayats to its kitty is essential, as any improvement in its tally could be interpreted as a sign of growing strength in its traditional strongholds.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is looking to improve its numbers in the panchayats, as this would help it reinforce the narrative that the government continues to enjoy the trust of voters at the grassroots level.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to demonstrate that its voter base and seat count will increase significantly, which it will interpret as a sign that voters are shifting away from both the LDF and the UDF and moving towards the alliance led by the party.
Number game
The Congress-led UDF has a clear upper hand in grama panchayats in the district, ruling 48 of the 82. The CPI(M)-led LDF governs 30, while the Kizhakkambalam-based Twenty20 controls the remaining four. Congress holds 538 wards, the CPI(M) has won 580, the Indian Union Muslim League has secured 22, and both the CPI and Twenty20 hold 64 wards each.
Though no front secured a clear majority in 11 panchayats after the 2020 local body elections, nine were taken over by the UDF, while the LDF managed to rule two with the support of Independents. Over the past five years, these panchayats have seen considerable political churn, with the UDF losing control in Paingottoor and Nedumbassery, and losing and later regaining Payipra, Keerampara and Chellanam.
The UDF is pinning its hopes on what it sees as rising “anti-incumbency” against the State government. “The feedback we receive from the grassroots suggests that the political climate is favourable for us. The State government has failed to address wildlife issues in the hilly regions, while coastal communities continue to face sea sand mining, sea incursion and a lack of clarity on the coastal highway project. These concerns will influence the polls,” District Congress Committee president Muhammed Shiyas said.
The UDF hopes the alliance will win nearly 60 panchayats in the district this time, including several from traditional LDF strongholds. The LDF, meanwhile, is entering the polls claiming it has delivered on local body–specific projects and the promises in its election manifesto. The front is also looking to tap into “discontent” within the UDF.
“The LDF has presented a document detailing the development works completed by the civic bodies led by the front. In areas where we are in the opposition, we are highlighting the UDF’s corruption and its anti-development positions. The UDF has been trying to undermine the government’s popular projects, including Life Mission,” CPI(M) district secretary S. Satheesh said.
The BJP, which currently holds only 55 wards in the district, has set an ambitious target of securing a majority in several panchayats this time. “We will make huge strides. We expect to come to power in at least five panchayats and to emerge as a decisive force in many others,” BJP district president (Ernakulam city) K.S. Shyju said.
Published – November 23, 2025 09:01 pm IST
