Kerala local body election results: LDF ahead in panchayats, UDF leads in cities, show early trends

Vote counting is continuing in major districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Malappuram, under tight security arrangements.

Counting of votes for the 2025 Kerala local body elections commenced at 8 am on Saturday across 244 counting centres and all 14 district collectorates, with early trends indicating a tight contest between the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

As per data released by the State Election Commission (SEC), the LDF is pulling ahead in rural local bodies, particularly grama and block panchayats, while the UDF gained an advantage in urban centres, including municipalities and corporations.

By mid-morning, the LDF was leading in more than 350 grama panchayat seats, with the UDF close behind at just over 300. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was ahead in around 30 grama panchayats, with smaller parties and independents leading in a limited number of seats, underscoring a closely contested rural battle.

In district panchayats, the UDF held a narrow lead, topping seven of the 14 seats, while the LDF was ahead in six. The NDA had yet to register a lead in this segment.

Urban trends favoured the UDF. Of the 87 municipalities in the state, the Congress-led front was leading in nearly 50, compared with around 30 for the LDF. In the six municipal corporations, the UDF was ahead in four, while the LDF and NDA were leading in one each.

Early trends from the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation showed the NDA in front, with the LDF trailing closely. The civic body has been under Left control for over four decades, making the contest one of the most closely watched in the state.

Commenting on the early results, BJP leader Shaun George expressed confidence that the NDA would improve its performance in central and southern Kerala, predicting a shift in voter support away from traditional political fronts.

Vote counting is continuing in major districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Malappuram, under tight security arrangements. Election officials reported minor disruptions at a few centres related to access for candidates and booth agents, but said the overall process remained orderly.

The swearing-in of newly elected panchayat members and municipal councillors is scheduled for December 21, with corporation councillors to take the oath later the same day.