Twenty20, a Kitex Group-backed political group, has seen a major dent in its electoral performance in local polls since its debut in 2015, losing power in two of the four panchayats it swept five years ago and barely making a dent in the Kochi Corporation, where it contested 56 divisions.
The unit retained power in Kizhakkambalam panchayat, its seat, albeit with a reduced margin, though it still secured a majority by winning 14 out of 21 wards, while in Aikkaranadu panchayat it swept all 16 wards. However, it lost majority in Kunnathunadu and Mazhuvannoor panchayats. The party has managed to retain Pookkattupady and Kizhakkambalam divisions in Vazhakkulam block, win a block division in Vengola and open its account in Thrikkakara municipality.
Besides, the party won seven seats in Poothrikka panchayat, six in Vadavucode-Puthencruz panchayat, nine wards in Thiruvaniyoor panchayat, six wards in Vengola panchayat and one ward in Manakkad panchayat in Thodupuzha.
Speaking to reporters after the verdict, Sabu M. Jacob, president of Twenty20, said the party had managed to retain the Kizhakkambalam panchayat for the third consecutive term despite a disjointed collective of 25 parties from both the left and the right, which also fielded name candidates in all constituencies. Accepting defeat in the two panchayats, he said that winning power is not the party’s only aim.
“We managed to secure a good share of votes in all the seats we contested, despite fighting ourselves against all parties and fronts in Kerala. Twenty20 will continue its model of corruption-free governance. The future course of action will be decided by the party’s State Committee,” he said. Although Mr. Jacob claimed that the party got a good vote share in Kochi Corporation, where it fought its first battle, the performance appeared to be far from that.
Although contested in 56 divisions, it did not affect the outcome anywhere as its votes fell to double digits in 15 divisions, including Island North and Island South, where it received only five and 10 votes respectively. In total, the party got just under 9,400 votes across all 56 divisions. In short, Twenty20 failed to do what the new V4 Kochi group did in the 2020 elections, contesting in 59 divisions, getting more than 10% of the votes and dictating the fate of both LDF and UDF candidates in many divisions.
The party’s highest vote tally was recorded in Chalikkavattom division where it polled 483 votes, yet finished last among the three candidates. In Nazreth division, it managed 353 votes and finished third ahead of BJP and fellow contender Aam Aadmi Party. It also finished third in the Fort Kochi Veli division, ahead of the BJP, with 345 votes. A tally of 332 votes was enough for the party to finish above Bharath Dharma Jana Sena, a partner of the National Democratic Alliance, which also polled in the Corporation. Thattazham was the only division where it managed to get more than 300 votes, with the tally set at 331.
Published – 13 Dec 2025 20:41 IST
