The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala on Saturday emerged as a clear winner against the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front in the elections to the local bodies in the state.

The results are being seen as a major boost for the UDF ahead of the Assembly elections slated for April 2026.

The elections were conducted for six corporations, 14 district panchayats, 87 municipalities, 152 block panchayats and 941 gram panchayats in two phases on December 9 and December 11.

The UDF won four among the six corporation seats – Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kannur – all considered strongholds of the LDF. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance secured its first-ever win in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation.

The LDF secured a win in Kozhikode.

The municipalities saw the UDF winning in 54 seats, dominating in Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Malappuram and Kottayam. On the other hand, the LDF managed to hold on to several seats in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kozhikode, among others.

The NDA managed to retain Palakkad for a third consecutive term, Onmanorama reported.

The UDF was also leading in 492 gram panchayats, while the LDF was ahead in around 347 seats. The NDA secured 25 seats.

The Congress-led alliance was ahead in eight district panchayats, while the LDF was leading in six. In the block panchayats, the UDF was leading in around 81 seats and the LDF in over 63.

In the 2020 local body elections, the LDF had secured a sweeping mandate, Onmanorama reported.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly and Congress leader VD Satheesan said that the results were a “thumping victory” for the UDF.

“Winning four Corporations and over 500 Panchayats is a powerful endorsement from people,” Satheesan said on social media. “We accept this mandate with humility & a deep sense of responsibility. This victory strengthens our resolve to work even harder stay closer to the people.”

His party colleague and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor congratulated the Congress-led alliance “for a truly impressive win across various local bodies”.

“This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections,” said Tharoor. “Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020.”

He also offered to the BJP his “humble congratulations” on the Hindutva party’s “significant victory” in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation.

“A strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape,” said Tharoor.
I campaigned for a change from 45 years of LDF misrule, but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.”

Congress MLA Ramesh Chennithala thanked the residents of Kerala for “giving their wholehearted support” to the party and the UDF in the elections.

“We are now confident and will work to garner more support of the common people for the upcoming Assembly elections and defeat the corrupt and incompetent LDF government in the state,” he said on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked the residents of the state who voted for the BJP and the NDA in the elctions.

“Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF,” the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said on social media. “They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #VikasitaKeralam with opportunities for all.”