Kerala, Dec 13: Kerala has moved into full results mode as counting of votes for the 2025 local body elections continued across the state on Friday. With strong rooms opened under tight security, early trends have begun to emerge, offering the first indication of how the political contest is shaping up at the grassroots level.
With voter turnout dipping in both phases of polling, attention is firmly on early leads and ward-level gains. Political parties are closely tracking trends from grama panchayats, municipalities and district panchayats, mindful that even marginal shifts could carry broader political signals ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The results will determine control of 941 grama panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 86 municipalities and six corporations across the state.
Local Body Status So Far
Early trends show the Left Democratic Front (LDF) holding a narrow overall edge, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) remains competitive, particularly in urban areas. The BJP led NDA has also begun making a visible impact, especially at the grama panchayat level and in select municipalities.
Of the 941 grama panchayats, the LDF is leading in 308, while the UDF is ahead in 273
In block panchayats, the LDF leads in 67 of 152, compared to 61 for the UDF
At the district panchayat level, the UDF is ahead in nine of 14, while the LDF leads in three
In municipalities, the UDF leads in 42, ahead of the LDF’s 32
Among corporations, the UDF is leading in three, the LDF in two, while the NDA has opened its account in one
Several local bodies remain undecided, with ties reported across panchayats and block councils
Ward-Level Performance
At the ward level, the UDF has so far secured more seats, though the contest remains tight.
UDF: 136 grama panchayat wards and 357 municipal wards
LDF: 116 grama panchayat wards and 255 municipal wards
NDA: 38 grama panchayat wards and 72 municipal wards
Others: 20 grama panchayat wards and 84 municipal wards
Political Reactions and Turnout Impact
LDF leaders have argued that lower turnout traditionally benefits the Left, though party sources acknowledge that this election presents new variables. The LDF has pointed to controversy involving Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil as a possible factor affecting voter participation.
The UDF, meanwhile, has cited public dissatisfaction over governance issues and lingering sentiments linked to Sabarimala as contributing factors. The BJP has attributed the turnout dip to voter fatigue and alleged ruling opposition collusion, while insisting that the numbers conceal incremental gains for the NDA.
Counting Updates
Counting began at 8 am, with postal ballots opened first
Separate counting centres have been set up for municipalities and corporations
Panchayat votes are being counted at block-level centres
Early trends from grama panchayats and municipal wards are expected by mid-morning
Complete results, including district panchayats, are likely by around 2 pm
Results are being uploaded booth by booth on the official trend portal
Compared to 2020, voter turnout declined in both phases. Phase Two recorded 76.08 per cent, down from 77.9 per cent, while Phase One stood at 70.91 per cent, compared to 73.82 per cent last time.
Beyond local governance, the verdict is being closely watched as a key political barometer ahead of Kerala’s next Assembly elections scheduled for April–May next year.