Published Sep 29, 2026 | 6:39 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 29, 2026 | 6:39 PM
The bypolls were held on Monday.
Synopsis: The UDF won 18 seats, the LDF 16 and independents four. The UDF tally comprised 12 Congress, four IUML and two Kerala Congress candidates. The LDF won 13 seats through the CPI(M) and three through the CPI. Among independents, three were unaffiliated candidates, and one belonged to Twenty20.
The first local body by-elections in Keralam after the Assembly polls produced a mixed verdict, with the LDF making gains in several key wards while the UDF retained an overall lead.
The results, declared on Tuesday, 29 September, for 38 wards across the state, saw the UDF win 18 seats, the LDF 16 and independents four.
The UDF tally comprised 12 Congress, four IUML and two Kerala Congress candidates.
The LDF won 13 seats through the CPI(M) and three through the CPI.
Among independents, three were unaffiliated candidates, and one belonged to Twenty20.
The LDF made significant gains in District and Block Panchayat divisions.
Of the three District Panchayat wards, it won two and the UDF one.
In the seven Block Panchayat wards, the LDF secured five seats, compared with one for the UDF and one for an independent.
The UDF won 13 of the 23 Grama Panchayat wards, against seven for the LDF and three independents.
The LDF and UDF shared the three municipal wards 2-1, while each won one of the two Corporation wards.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam described the results as evidence of a shift in Keralam’s political landscape and claimed that the LDF had increased its tally from 15 to 18, while the UDF’s strength fell from 22 to 19.
He said the results showed a “comeback” for the Left after its Assembly election setback.
CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan also described the results as a comeback for the LDF.
He highlighted gains in District Panchayat, Block Panchayat, corporation and municipal divisions and pointed to changes in winning margins in several constituencies.
The LDF highlighted victories in Thrikkodithanam and Pallassana District Panchayat divisions and gains in several Block Panchayat and urban wards.
In Thrikkodithanam, the LDF overturned a previous UDF lead of 743 votes to win by 2,140 votes.
The newly elected members can assume office after taking the oath or affirmation. Candidates must submit their election expenditure accounts within one month.
The bypolls were held on Monday, 28 September.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
