UDF puts up an impressive show across three-tier panchayats in Ernakulam

The local body election results have proved that the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s influence at the grassroots level is intact in Ernakulam, as the alliance has increased its tally across three-tier panchayats compared to the previous elections in 2020.

The UDF registered a thumping victory in the Ernakulam district panchayat winning 25 out of 28 seats. The district panchayat divisions won by the UDF are Moothakunnam, Karukutty, Thuravoor, Kalady, Kodanad, Pulluvazhi, Nellikuzhy, Neryamangalam, Pothanikad, Avoly, Valakam, Pampakuda, Mulanthuruthy, Udayamperoor, Kumbalangi, Kolenchery, Vengola, Edathala, Keezhmad, Athani, Kadungalloor, Alangad, Kottuvally, Vypeen, and Njarackal. Of them, 20 belonged to the Congress while the Kerala Congress won two seats and the RSP, Kerala Congress (Jacob), and the IUML one each. The verdict marks a jump from the UDF’s 2020 tally when it had won 16 seats.

The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) suffered a major setback in the Ernakulam district panchayat with the number of its seats falling down to three from nine last time. CPI(M) candidates won in Cherai, Puthencruz, and Kadamakudy. Kitex-backed Twenty20 failed to retain two seats this time. In Kadamakudy, the UDF was not in the fray after Congress candidate Elsy George’s nomination got rejected.

Of the total 14 block panchayats in the district, the UDF made a comeback winning 12 this time, making a leap from last time’s six. The block panchayats that stood with the UDF are Alangad, Angamaly, Edappally, Koovapady, Kothamangalam, Mulanthuruthy, Muvattupuzha, Palluruthy, Pambakkuda, Parakkadavu, Paravur, and Vazhakulam. The LDF managed to retain only Vypeen this time. Vadavukode, which went to the Twenty20 last time, has thrown a hung verdict this time.

Of the 82 grama panchayats, the UDF emerged the largest front in 75 and the LDF in three. Twenty20 managed to retain Kizhakkambalam and Aikkaranadu. While the UDF appears to have a clear majority in 58 panchayats, the picture was yet to be clear in 19 where Independents, including those backed by major fronts, will be a decisive factor.

The BJP, despite a spirited campaign, failed to make inroads into grama panchayats. It won 51 wards across panchayats.