Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi, December – The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has come out strong in the Kerala local body elections 2025, winning control in most corporations, municipalities, and gram panchayats. People across the state voted in large numbers, and the results show a clear shift away from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). At the same time, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) made history by taking over the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time ever. These results are seen as a big sign of what might happen in the 2026 assembly elections.
The polling happened in two phases on December 9 and 11, covering 1,199 local bodies like gram panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. More than 2.1 crore voters took part, with a total turnout of 73.69 percent – the highest since 1995. Women voters turned out more than men, at 74.51 percent.
Counting started at 8 am today in 244 centres across 14 districts. By afternoon, trends were clear: UDF leading or winning in around 500 gram panchayats, over 50 municipalities, and four out of six corporations. The LDF held on to some rural areas but lost many strongholds. NDA did well in urban pockets, especially in the capital city.
UDF’s Strong Performance Across the State
The UDF, led by Congress and allies like IUML and Kerala Congress, swept many areas. In gram panchayats (941 in total), UDF won or led in about 503, compared to LDF’s 341. In block panchayats (152), UDF was ahead in many. District panchayats were close, with UDF leading in seven and LDF in six.
In municipalities (87), UDF took around 54, while LDF got 28. Corporations told a similar story: UDF won four (like Thrissur, Kochi, Kollam in big leads), LDF one (Kozhikode), and NDA one (Thiruvananthapuram).
Congress leaders were quick to celebrate. Rahul Gandhi said, “A salute to the people of Kerala for placing their trust in the UDF in the local body elections. This is a decisive and heartening mandate. These results are a clear sign of growing confidence in the UDF and point the way towards a sweep in the upcoming Assembly election.”
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram added, “Congratulations to the UDF for the smashing victory over the LDF in the elections to Corporations, Municipalities and Gram Panchayats in Kerala.”
Another Congress MP, Shama Mohamed, noted, “What a fantastic result for UDF in Kerala in the local body elections! UDF has won 4 corporations out of 6 and most of the panchayats & municipalities. This clearly shows that in the upcoming assembly elections, Congress Party will come back to power with a huge majority.”
People seem upset with the LDF government over issues like price rise, delays in welfare payments, and controversies. UDF workers burst crackers and distributed sweets in places like Thrissur and Kochi.
NDA’s Historic Win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
The biggest surprise came from the NDA. In Thiruvananthapuram Corporation (101 wards), NDA won 50 wards, LDF 29, and UDF 19. This ends decades of Left rule in the capital. NDA also kept Palakkad municipality for the third time and won in places like Thrippunithura.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters: “My gratitude to the people across Kerala who voted for BJP and NDA candidates in the local body polls in the state. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a #vikasitakeralam with opportunities for all.”
He called it a “watershed moment in state’s politics.” BJP state leaders celebrated, saying it shows growing support in south and central Kerala.
In Palakkad, BJP won 25 out of 53 seats. Former police officer R Sreelekha won a ward in Thiruvananthapuram for BJP.
LDF Struggles to Hold Ground
The ruling LDF, led by CPI(M) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, faced tough losses. They held Kozhikode Corporation and some rural panchayats but lost big in urban areas and many traditional seats. In Kollam, LDF lost control after 25 years.
LDF leaders admitted the setback but said they will look into reasons. The front tried hard with welfare schemes, but anti-incumbency seems to have hurt them.
What the Numbers Say So Far
- Gram Panchayats (941): UDF ~503, LDF ~341, NDA ~25-30, others/ties rest.
- Block Panchayats (152): UDF strong lead.
- District Panchayats (14): UDF 7, LDF 6.
- Municipalities (87): UDF ~54, LDF ~28, NDA few.
- Corporations (6): UDF 4, NDA 1, LDF 1.
Full results will be out soon from the State Election Commission website.
Why These Results Matter
Local body polls are like a mini test for bigger elections. In 2020, LDF won big here and then in 2021 assembly polls. Now, UDF’s win boosts their chances for 2026. NDA’s gains show BJP is slowly growing in Kerala, especially among urban voters.
Newly elected members will take oath on December 21.
Reactions from Leaders
Congress leader KC Venugopal said the win is because of teamwork and people’s anger against LDF.
BJP’s Shaun George said, “We are very confident that the BJP will secure a good margin in the central Kerala belt, and we will also achieve a strong victory this time in South Kerala.”
LDF has not given big statements yet, but workers looked disappointed in many centres.
The elections were mostly peaceful, though some small issues over booth agents were reported.
These results have changed Kerala’s political map a bit. UDF is happy, NDA excited, and LDF has work to do before next year’s big fight.
Detailed Look at Key Areas
In Malappuram, IUML helped UDF dominate. In Kannur, LDF’s stronghold, UDF made gains in corporation.
In Ernakulam, UDF swept many wards. Thrissur saw big UDF celebrations.
NDA’s win in capital is talked about a lot. It shows voters want change even in Left areas.
Voter turnout was high because people care about local issues like roads, water, waste, and jobs.
Women and young voters played a big role.
Comparison with 2020 Elections
In 2020, LDF won 514 gram panchayats, UDF 321, NDA 19. This time, UDF flipped many.
LDF had 5 corporations, now down to 1.
This shift shows people are not happy with the government after four years.
What Next for Parties
UDF will push harder for assembly polls. NDA will try to build on urban wins. LDF needs to fix problems fast.
Oath-taking on December 21. New bodies start work soon.
FAQs on Kerala Local Body Elections 2025
1. Who won the most in Kerala local body elections 2025?
The Congress-led UDF won the most seats overall. They took control of about 4 corporations, over 50 municipalities, and around 500 gram panchayats. It is a big victory for them against the ruling LDF.
2. Did BJP win any big place?
Yes, the NDA led by BJP won the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time. They got 50 wards there. They also kept Palakkad municipality and won some other urban areas. PM Modi called it historic.
3. How did LDF do?
LDF lost many seats. They held Kozhikode Corporation and some rural panchayats but lost in cities and many old strongholds. It is a setback for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s front.
4. What was the voter turnout?
Overall 73.69 percent, highest since 1995. First phase 70.91 percent, second 76.08 percent. Women voted more.
5. When will new members start work?
They will take oath on December 21 and assume charge the same day in most places.
6. Why are these elections important?
They show people’s mood before 2026 assembly elections. Past local wins often led to assembly wins.
7. Where can I check full results?
On Kerala State Election Commission website or TREND portal.
8. Any big surprises?
Yes, NDA winning capital city and UDF taking many LDF areas.