The upcoming local body elections in Iritty municipality is set to witness a tight three-cornered contest among the Left Democratic Front(LDF), United Democratic Front(UDF), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following the recent delimitation that increased the number of wards from 33 to 34, with the formation of the new Payancheri Mukku ward.
Iritty was upgraded to a municipality in 2015. Of Kannur’s eight municipalities, five including Iritty, are ruled by the LDF. However, unlike the other four, where the LDF commands a clear majority, Iritty has remained politically fragmented since its formation, with no front gaining absolute majority in either the 2015 or 2020 elections.
In 2015, the LDF came to power despite the UDF’s numerical edge, as factional disputes within the UDF led three IUML councillors to abstain during the chairman’s election. The LDF retained power in 2020 with 14 seats after the BJP and the SDPI councillors abstained, allowing it to continue in office.
With the delimitation in place, the UDF hopes for a comeback and claims it is well-positioned to win over 20 seats. Seat-sharing has been finalised. Congress will contest in 19 wards, IUML in 11, and the RSP and CMP one each.
“We have completed the seat-sharing process early and all partners stand united. UDF’s victory is inevitable,” said IUML Kannur District Vice President Ibrahim Munderi.
He criticised the LDF’s decade-long rule in Iritty, alleging poor infrastructure and neglect of basic needs.
“Streetlights don’t work, the bus stand toilets leak into the Iritty river, and roads. especially the Nerampok road connecting the Taluk Hospital, fire station and other institutions are in poor condition. Even the high-mast lamps installed in town were sponsored by a private jeweller, ” he said.
Mr. Munderi expressed confidence that the IUML would regain the Kooranmukku, Naduvanand (now reserved for a tribal woman representative) and Narayambra wards, which it lost to the SDPI earlier.
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress Irrity block president P. A. Naseer said LDF’s “false claims of development” has been exposed through UDF’s ward-level conventions and padyatras. “The KSRTC stand and tourism project remain on paper. Many eligible families are waiting four houses under LIFE Mission housing and tribal colonies remain neglected,” he said.
Mr. Naseer also alleged that the delimitation was politically influenced to benefit the CPI(M). “People are tired of the CPI(M) and the LDF government and are determined to bring change this time,” he added.
BJP district cell coordinator Sathyam Kommery also attacked the LDF citing the incomplete KSRTC stand and lack of specialist including paeditricians, gynaecologists and anaesthetics, in the Taluk Hospital.
“Despite the tourism potential of the region, no steps were taken for development. Even the delimitation was done to weaken the BJP’s presence,” he alleged.
Mr. Kommery, maintained that the party’s base was strengthening. “We are confident of retaining our five seats and winning five more,” he said.
Countering the allegations, CPI(M) Iritty area secretary Sakkeer Hussain K.V. said the LDF’s growth had been steady, increasing its tally from 13 seats in 2015 to 14 in 2020.
“Development is visible — the town’s beautification, upgraded high tech schools like Chavassery HSS and . Crores spent on hospitals and infrastructure works. Except the Nerampok road dug up for pipeline works all roads are motorable,” he said.
Mr. Hussain asserted the municipality’s progress under LDF rule was evident and expressed confidence in securing over 20 seats. The LDF’s performance, Mr. Hussain added that the people had witnessed the municipality’s progress under the Left rule.
“The LDF is confident of winning over 20 seats and retaining power with an even stronger mandate,” he said. The CPIM has decided to contest in 30 seats.
Published – November 14, 2025 09:33 am IST
