The electoral outcome in 13 municipalities is likely to set the tone for the 2026 Assembly election in Ernakulam.
Key political fronts exuded confidence in improving their tally this time compared to their performance in 2020. Of the 13 municipalities, the United Democratic Front (UDF) had won eight that included Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Muvattupuzha, Perumbavoor, North Paravur, Maradu, Aluva, and Angamaly. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) had secured victory in Eloor, Koothattukulam, Kothamangalam, Piravom, and Thripunitura.
At the end of the term in 2025, the UDF increased its overall tally to nine municipalities after rebel Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] councillor Kala Raju helped the front wrest power in Koothattukulam municipality.
Muhammed Shiyas, Ernakulam District Congress Committee president, claimed that the UDF would make big gains this time by making dents in the electoral prospects of the LDF. He added that the front was likely to make a sweep in a majority of municipalities.
CPI(M) district secretary S. Sathish claimed that the LDF would reap significant gains in municipalities compared to the results in 2020.
K.S. Shyju, district president (Ernakulam city) of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would increase its vote share and representation in municipalities. He claimed that the NDA would upset the calculations of the UDF and the LDF in Thripunithura municipality.
The UDF is anticipating that the anti-incumbency factor may shift in its favour in Eloor municipality, where the LDF had been in power since 2015. The front is also expecting a close finish in Piravom, Muvattupuzha, and Koothattukulam. The LDF has set its eyes on the possible anti-incumbency factor in Kalamassery, North Paravur, and Perumbavoor. The NDA hopes to increase its seat share in Kothamangalam, Angamaly, and Eloor.
The three fronts agreed that the results in municipalities this time would be crucial as they start preparing for the Assembly elections in 2026.
Published – December 13, 2025 12:50 am IST
