AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal after casting his vote in Kaithavan on Tuesday. | Photo credit: PR SURESH
All three major fronts seemed confident of winning the local body elections in the state as the first phase of polls covering seven southern districts concluded on Tuesday.
In Kannur, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the results of the local body elections will further strengthen the Left Democratic Front.
The ruling front expressed confidence in a good performance, with CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby saying an effective probe by the court-appointed special investigation team into the Sabarimala gold issue will work in favor of the Left.
The CPI(M)-led LDF relies on its development programs and welfare pensions to shore up support.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said “all is set for a historic return” of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power “with a large majority” in local bodies, including district panchayats and corporations across the state.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in North Paravur, Mr. Satheesan said the UDF had an edge in the municipalities last time too and would improve further, as did its performance in most grama panchayats. UDF workers from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram remain enthusiastic.
Congress leader AK Antony said the local polls will reflect the strong anti-incumbency sentiments of the people. After casting his vote in Thiruvananthapuram, he told the media that “even Left voters want shock treatment for the Left”.
The BJP, seeking to make deeper inroads into the state, campaigned strongly on issues including the governance of the Sabarimala temple.
Published – 09 Dec 2025 21:30 IST
