Kerala Local Body Poll Results 2025: UDF surges statewide, PM Modi hails BJP as governance choice

CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan acknowledged an unexpected setback for the LDF in the Kerala local body elections, vowing a thorough review at all levels and promising necessary corrections. “The LDF has a history of overcoming defeats by timely course corrections, as seen after the 2010 loss,” he said, emphasizing that there has been no fundamental erosion in the Left’s base. Govindan pointed out that the UDF’s victory was aided by aligning with communal forces and noted instances where UDF and BJP votes were strategically exchanged to defeat the LDF. He highlighted that despite claims of BJP’s success in Thiruvananthapuram, the party did not achieve major gains elsewhere, while the LDF retained key municipalities like Pandalam, including centers linked to Sabarimala. Reflecting on the previous elections, Govindan noted the LDF’s massive win and the government’s achievements, questioning why these did not translate into electoral success. 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hailed the United Democratic Front’s impressive sweep in the Kerala local body elections, calling it a clear mandate and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative polls. “What a day of amazing results! The democratic spirit of Kerala shines through,” he said on X. Tharoor congratulated the UDF for its strong performance, noting that hard work, a clear message, and anti-incumbency contributed to their improved results compared to 2020. He also acknowledged the BJP’s historic win in Thiruvananthapuram, describing it as a significant shift in the city’s political landscape. “I campaigned for change from 45 years of LDF misrule, but voters have rewarded another party seeking change in governance. The people’s verdict must always be respected,” he added.​

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X and said, "The Indian National Congress extends its heartfelt gratitude to the people of Kerala for the decisive verdict given to the UDF in local body elections. We are confident that our alliance- UDF, will receive a similar mandate in the forthcoming Assembly Elections too. It is with this confidence that the INC Kerala will campaign with a full sense of responsibility and united purpose."

Rahul Gandhi posted n X and said, "A salute to the people of Kerala for placing their trust in the UDF in the local body elections. This is a decisive and heartening mandate. These results are a clear sign of growing confidence in the UDF and point the way towards a sweep in the upcoming Assembly election. The message is clear: Kerala wants accountable governance that listens, responds, and delivers. Our focus now is unwavering - standing with the common people of Kerala, addressing their everyday concerns, and ensuring transparent, people-first administration. Congratulations to all elected representatives. My sincere appreciation to every party leader and worker whose dedication and hard work made this victory possible."

Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Saturday said the LDF's "communal politics" led to its defeat, while the UDF convinced people with the agenda it placed before them. In a press conference, Satheesan said that the UDF was indebted to the voters and thanked the public for the mandate. “We placed a charge sheet against the present government before the people. At the same time, we clearly stated what the UDF would do if it comes to power,” he said. Satheesan said the LDF had suffered a heavy defeat in the elections.

On Kerala Local Body Elections result, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said, "I can say that the results are epoch-making and a far-reaching national indication for the national politics. The people have become wise enough to understand that they are not going to be hoodwinked by your politics in which you are joining hands in Delhi and giving a 'friendly' fight in Thiruvananthapuram. I also want to ask Congress who stole your vote wherever the BJP did not win? And who stole CPI(M)'s vote?.".

On Kerala local body polls, Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "This is an election in the history of Kerala local body elections where the UDF and Congress have secured the maximum number of seats. This is a big victory for us. Certainly, the trend is very clear; we are going to win the next assembly elections. We have performed well in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation compared to the last election. But the problem is that the CPM has not performed well at all. This is because there was a huge anti-incumbency wave against them. Their policies these days are such that they are completely supporting the central government. I think their cadres voted for the BJP in some seats. That's why this result has come. But we will fight against this."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X and said, "My heartfelt thanks to the dedicated BJP Karyakartas who tirelessly served the people, delivering this outstanding victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Today, we honor generations of grassroots workers in Kerala whose relentless efforts made this triumph possible. Our Karyakartas are our true strength- we salute them with pride!"

The BJP has won 25 wards, placing it ahead of its rivals in the civic body. The UDF secured victories in 17 wards, while the LDF won 8. Other parties and independent candidates accounted for the remaining 3 wards, indicating a fragmented mandate alongside the BJP’s lead. Read more

Early trends indicate that the UDF is leading in a greater number of grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities, and corporations compared to the LDF.

The LDF maintains its lead in Kozhikode Corporation, holding 31 seats, while the UDF is ahead in 24 seats. The BJP has improved its performance, leading in 13 seats.

According to the latest trends released by the Kerala State Election Commission, the UDF is ahead in the Thrissur Corporation, leading in 33 of the 56 wards. However, the LDF continues to hold an advantage across the municipalities in Thrissur district.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and the MP from Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday congratulated the BJP, which is inching closer to victory in the Municipal Coporation as counting of votes goes on in the Kerala local body elections.

"I also want to acknowledge the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city Corporation — a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape. I campaigned for a change from 45 years of LDF misrule, but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance," Tharoor wrote in a post on X.

The Bharatiya Janata Party registered multiple victories in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, with V Sudevan Nair winning the Sainika School ward, A Pradeep Kumar Karnan securing the Njandoorkonam ward, and Archana Manikandan emerging victorious in the Chenkottukonam ward.

The BJP also won the Kariavattom ward, where SS Sandhyarani was declared the winner, while Chembazhanthi Udayan secured a victory for the party in the Mannanthala ward.

The Congress-led UDF has taken a clear lead in the grama panchayats. Of the total 941 grama panchayats, the UDF is ahead in 216, followed by the LDF with 172, while the NDA is leading in 4.

In block panchayats, out of a total of 152, the UDF is leading in 69, while the LDF is ahead in 50. The NDA has not taken a lead in any block panchayat. In district panchayats, the contest remains evenly balanced. Of the 14 district panchayats, both the UDF and the LDF are leading in 6 each.

The UDF has also emerged strongly in municipalities. Of the 87 municipalities, the UDF is leading in 36, while the LDF is ahead in 13. In municipal corporations, the UDF is leading in 4 of the 6 corporations. The LDF is ahead in 1, while the NDA is leading in 1 corporation.

The BJP is leading in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, and it is likely to win the key seat as per current trends.

The BJP-led alliance is close to the majority mark with leads in 49 out of 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation as per the latest counting trends.

BJP+: 49, LDF: 24, UDF: 18 and Others: 2.

BJP wins Poonkunnam, Patturaikal, Kannamkulangara, Thekkinkadu, Thiruvambadi, Kottappuram, Kokkalai and Kanimangalam wards in the Thrissur Municipal Corporation.

The results of the Kerala local body elections 2025 show a clear lead for the UDF in municipal corporations across the state. Out of a total of 421 wards, the UDF has secured leads or wins in 168 wards, placing it ahead of its rivals in the urban civic space.

The LDF is in second place with 110 wards, while the BJP led NDA has made gains in 82 wards. Candidates from other parties and independents account for 16 wards, reflecting a fragmented contest in several corporations.

Latest trends from 22 of the 34 wards in Pandalam Municipality show the UDF leading in 9 wards, narrowly ahead of the LDF with leads in 8. The BJP is leading in 5 wards, while no other candidates are ahead at this stage, indicating a closely fought contest as counting continues.

As of 11.25 am, early trends from 40 of the 53 wards in Palakkad Municipality indicate a close contest, with the BJP leading in 16 wards. The UDF is close behind with leads in 14 wards, while the LDF is ahead in 8 wards. Other candidates are leading in 2 wards, reflecting a competitive and fragmented electoral picture as counting continues.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken a massive lead in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, which has a total of 101 wards. The alliance has won or taken lead on 29 wards, while the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister P Vijayan, has won or taken lead on 15 wards, as per the data available on Kerala State Election Commission (SEC). Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has won or taken lead in 12 wards, meanwhile. Read more

The latest trends now in, here's the overall tally of the three key alliances in the Kerala local body polls 2025 - the United Democratic Front (UDF), the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In the three-tier grama panchayats, covering 17337 wards, the LDF is leading in 4296 wards, while the UDF is ahead in 4193. In block panchayats, out of 2267 wards, the Congress led UDF is leading in 847 wards, compared with 758 for the LDF.

In district panchayats, the UDF is ahead in 180 of the 346 wards, while the LDF is leading in 147. In municipalities, across 3240 wards, the UDF is leading in 1125 wards, ahead of the LDF, which is leading in 857.

In corporations, the UDF is ahead in 149 of the 421 wards, while the LDF is leading in 96. The BJP led NDA is leading in 992 grama panchayat wards, 78 block panchayat wards and 249 municipal wards, and is ahead in 14 wards in corporations.

LDF wins Eranhikkal, Naduvattam, Naduvattam East, Arkkinar, Palayam and Mathottam wards in Kozhikkode Municipal Corporation.

BJP wins Chettivilakam, Estate, Nemom, Ponnumangalam, Melamcode, Manacud and Sreekanteswaram wards in the Thiruvanathapuram Municipal Corporation.

Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation trends (55/101 wards) at 10.21 am: LDF: 16, BJP+: 27, UDF: 11 and Others: 1.

Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation trends (50/101 wards) at 9:50 am: LDF: 15, BJP+: 25, UDF: 10 and Others: 1.

BJP candidate Vijayashree KR is leading in the Iyrettil ward of Thrippunithura Municipality in Ernakulam district, while the party’s Advocate PL Babu has won the Valiyathara ward by a margin of 19 votes.

UDF wins Olavakkode Central, Kalpathi and Kunnumppuram wards in Palakkad Municipality in the Palakkad district. BJP has taken lead in Kalpathy East, Thonippalayam and Manapullikavu wards in Palakkad Municipality in the Palakkad district, while the LDF has taken lead in Civil Station, Murikavu and West Yakkara wards in Palakkad Municipality in the district.

In Pathanamthitta district, the UDF is leading in the Thottakonam West and Thottakonam East wards of Pandalam Municipality, while the LDF leads in wards of Mulampuzha East Municipality. In Palakkad district, the BJP has won the Ayyappuram West ward in Palakkad Municipality.

In Thrippunithura Municipality in Ernakulam district, the BJP has won the Ammankovil and Valiyathara wards, while the LDF secured victory in the Panackal ward. The BJP is also leading in the Iyrettil, Vellakkinakkal and Kannankulangara wards.

In early trends, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has maintained leads in 12 wards and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is leading in six wards. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in seven wards.

Speaking on the 2025 Kerala local body elections, BJP leader Shaun George expressed confidence that the party will secure a good margin in central Kerala.

“…we will also achieve a strong victory this time in South Kerala. People who have traditionally depended on the UDF and Kerala Congress will shift their support to the BJP this time…” he added.

In grama panchayats, covering 17337 wards, the LDF is leading in 411 wards, while the UDF is ahead in 344. In block panchayats, out of 2267 wards, the LDF is leading in 51 wards, with the Congress led UDF ahead in 35.

In district panchayats, which have 346 wards, the LDF is leading in 13 wards, closely followed by the UDF with leads in 10. In municipalities, across 3240 wards, the LDF is ahead in 225 wards, compared with 195 for the UDF.

In corporations, covering 421 wards, the LDF is leading in 24 wards, while the UDF is ahead in 18. The BJP-led NDA is leading in 94 grama panchayat wards and 60 municipal wards.

At 8.40 am, trends from 18 of 101 wards in the Kochi Municipal Corporation showed the LDF leading in 10 wards, the UDF in 4, the NDA in 2 and others in 2, while in Kollam Municipal Corporation the LDF was ahead in 3 of the 4 wards declared and the UDF in 1.

Meanwhile, the UDF is leading in the Kuttankulangara, Viyyur, Peringavu, Cheroor and Chembukkavu wards of the Thrissur Municipal Corporation.

The NDA is leading in Sreevaraham and Chalai wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation.

The LDF is leading in the Chackai, Valiyathura and Vallakkadavu wards of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation.

According to the Kerala State Election Commission, early counting trends show:

• UDF is leading on 18 gram panchayats, and 22 municipalities and 1 corporation.
• LDF is leading on 17 gram panchayats, 1 block panchayat, 1 municipal coporation, and 33 municipalities 

Counting of votes has begun across all municipal corporations and local bodies in Kerala and early trends are expected to come out shortly. Stay tuned!

Visuals from outside the counting centre at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya ICSE School in Nalanchira ahead of the Kerala local body elections. Vote counting will begin at 8 am across 244 counting centres.

The Kerala State Election Commission has established 244 counting centres across 14 district collectorates to ensure a smooth counting process. Votes cast by over 2 crore voters will be counted from 8 am.

The Kerala State Election Commission has established 244 counting centres across 14 district collectorates to ensure a smooth counting process. Votes cast by over 2 crore voters will be counted from 8 am.

The outcome of the local body elections is seen as especially significant as it is expected to set the tone for the 2026 Assembly polls. Political parties are treating the exercise as a mid term assessment of public mood, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Lok Sabha elections. Both major fronts and independent candidates see these civic polls as a key barometer of political sentiment.

Vote counting for Kerala’s local body elections will begin at 8 am. The first results are expected by 8.30 am, with the full outcome likely to be declared by midday. A total of 244 counting centres have been set up across the state.

Results on the TREND portal

Lead status and results can be tracked in real time through the TREND link on the State Election Commission’s website. The results are also available at https://trend.sec.kerala.gov.in, https://lbtrend.kerala.gov.in and https://trend.kerala.nic.in.

In the local body elections, votes for gram, block and district panchayats will be counted simultaneously at the same table. All 3 results will be recorded in the control unit of a single electronic voting machine. Votes from all booths linked to one ward of a gram panchayat will be counted together at one table under the supervision of the counting supervisor. The units will be brought to the table in sequence, starting with the first ward.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) won the Kannur Municipal Corporation election in 2020, UDF won 34 seats, LDF- 19 seats. NDA- 1, Independent- 1. The NDA led by BJP has made history by bagging a seat in the Kannur Municipal Corporation elections. BJP candidate VK Shyju won from Pallikkunnu division securing 845 votes, he defeated UDF candidate T Jayakrishnan and LDF candidate Umesh. Read more

State Election Commissioner A Shahjahan said this year’s civic polls witnessed the highest voter participation since Kerala’s first local body elections in 1995.

The strong turnout is seen as a sign of heightened public engagement and intense political competition. Polling officials said the enthusiasm was evident across both urban and rural areas.

The first phase on December 9 recorded a turnout of 70.91%, and combined with the second phase, overall voter participation reached 73.69%. Analysts say the strong turnout reflects Kerala’s long standing civic engagement. Political parties believe the figures could benefit candidates with a strong local presence and solid organisational support.

The Kerala local body elections are expected to indicate which party holds the upper hand on the ground ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The LDF faces the challenge of demonstrating the absence of anti incumbency, while the UDF is looking to expand its reach. The NDA is banking on incremental gains to strengthen the BJP led alliance’s prospects in the southern state next year.

The results can be accessed on the Kerala State Election Commission’s TREND portal. The BJP is aiming for improved performances in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, and in Thrissur.

The outcome will shape the future course of campaigning by political parties and fronts in the state ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections in 2026.

Vote counting will begin at 8 am across 244 counting centres and 14 collectorates. Results for all local bodies will be declared today, except for Mattannur municipality in Kannur district, where polling did not take place as elections there are scheduled only for September 2027.