Unity remains key challenge for UDF in Malappuram

As civic elections approach, the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Left Democratic Front (LDF) are making a strong push to strengthen their presence in Malappuram’s local bodies, the district boasting the highest number of panchayats and municipalities.

The UDF holds a strong position in Malappuram district, ruling the district panchayat with 26 out of 32 divisions won in the 2020 local body election. It controls 68 of 92 grama panchayats, nine of 12 municipalities, and 12 of 15 block panchayats in the district.

In the 2020 elections, the UDF maintained its unity in most local bodies in Malappuram. However, it faced internal conflicts in panchayats such as Ponmundam, Karuvarakundu and Makkaraparamba, where the Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) had disagreements despite reconciliation efforts by the UDF leadership.

The Congress-IUML rift in the Ponmundam, Karuvarakundu and Makkaraparamba panchayats proved challenging for the UDF district leadership. The infighting cost the UDF dearly, with the Karuvarakundu panchayat slipping to the LDF due to the factional fight.

The UDF is optimistic about strengthening its hold in the district this time around, having addressed most local issues, except for the differences in the Ponmundam, Karuvarakundu, and Makkaraparamba panchayats.

The district leadership is hopeful about resolving internal differences in the panchayats and reaching a mutually agreeable solution for the 281 new wards created through recent delimitation.

The LDF’s organisational machinery in Malappuram seems weaker compared to previous local body elections. Any gains for the LDF will likely stem from the UDF’s internal conflicts rather than its own strength, potentially increasing its hold from 24 panchayats, three municipalities, and three block panchayats.

Even as the LDF is trying to capitalise on the IUML-Congress rift in some wards, Congress and IUML leaders are working to resolve the issues at local level before the announcement of the elections. According to them, reconciliation will be tougher once the elections are announced.

The IUML is reportedly following a three-term policy for local body elections, where candidates who have contested three times will not be given seats. But the party has not made an official announcement about it.

The UDF’s win in the Nilambur Assembly byelection held in June this year, reclaiming the seat from the LDF, has given the front a boost.

The BJP, despite being a minor player in the district, holds a ward or two each in panchayats like Vallikkunnu, Chelembra,Vazhakkad, Vazhayur, Purathur, Nannamukku, Moorkkanad, Edayur, Edappal, Edakkara and Angadipuram. But the party leadership is optimistic about strengthening its presence in the district.