Palakkad district, traditionally a Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) stronghold, heads for the civic polls on Thursday on the back of two consecutive terms of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state. While the LDF seems poised to maintain its dominance in the district, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is equally confident of making big gains.
The LDF controls all but two of the 12 district assembly seats and 27 of the 30 panchayat seats in the district. It also heads 63 out of 88 panchayats and five out of seven municipalities. In 2024, the CPI(M) regained the Alathur Lok Sabha seat after losing it in 2019, adding factors that favor the LDF.
But the UDF is pinning its hopes on the decisive wins of VK Sreekandan, who was re-elected to the Lok Sabha from Palakkad in April 2024, and Rahul Mamkootathila, who triumphed in the November 2024 Palakkad Assembly by-election.
BJP manages the second seat
The BJP, which has been ruling the Palakkad Municipality for 10 years, sits second in many local bodies. Her success in pushing the CPI(M) to third place in the recent Palakkad assembly elections has given the party more confidence.
Given the LDF’s commanding majority in the district panchayat, defeat seems unlikely this time. However, with the UDF fielding strong candidates, many divisions are turning into fiercely contested battles, raising new hopes for the UDF.
Of the seven municipalities, the LDF controls five, while the UDF and the BJP control one each. Palakkad municipality is in the limelight mainly because BJP is in power.
The forecast in Palakkad is particularly uncertain this time around, with visible factional splits within the BJP giving the UDF a potential advantage. With active competition from all three fronts, the municipal elections are shaping up to be a tough battle.
In other municipalities, the BJP’s strong presence is proving to be a challenge for both the LDF and the UDF.
In the panchayats, the UDF expects an anti-government wave and sees early signs of a shift in sentiment, while the BJP, which is fielding more local candidates than before, wants to be the deciding factor.
Of the 13 block panchayats, the LDF controls 11, with the UDF controlling Pattambi and Mannarkad. This time, the UDF is heading for a fundamental shift.
There are 24.11 lakh voters in the district, of which 12.68 are women. As many as 6,726 candidates are running for district, block and grama panchayats as well as municipalities.
Problems with the survey
Paddy procurement remains a key electoral issue in Palakkad. Other concerns include delays in procurement prices, wild animal attacks in highly populated areas, stray dog menace, shortage of subsidized goods at Supplyco outlets and issues related to Elapulla Brewery.
Both the LDF and the UDF are taking this election as a test for the upcoming parliamentary polls, with each front facing a number of challenges.
Paddy procurement blunders and the Sabarimala gold theft case have emerged as challenges for the LDF. The UDF aims to end the BJP rule in Palakkad municipality and strengthen its position elsewhere. Whether Rahul Mamkootathila’s sex allegations will affect the UDF’s prospects remains to be seen after the election results.
Uprising
The LDF is facing an insurgency in some areas. Former MLA PK Sasi’s supporters are running as rebel candidates in Mannarkad municipality.
In Kozhinjampara, the CPI(M) rebels allied with the Congress. Across the district, including Ambalappara, Karakurussi, Vadakkenchery and Kizhakkenchery, more than 50 seats have dissident candidates.
In some places, the CPI(M) and the CPI have locked horns, while the UDF is also facing internal challenges from the rebels. In Peringottkurissi, Congress dissident AV Gopinathan is an ally of the LDF.
Published – 8 Dec 2025 20:50 IST
