Kerala Local Body Elections: Final Candidate List Out; LDF Gains Early Edge With 15 Unopposed Wins

Thiruvananthapuram: With the deadline for withdrawing nominations over, the final list of candidates for the local bosy elections has been released, making the electoral picture clearer. Nearly one lakh candidates are contesting in 23, 576 wards. The LDF centering its campaign on the government's completed development projects and welfare initiatives implemented without leaving any family behind. The front has already secured unopposed victories in 15 wards, giving it a significant early advantage.

Meanwhile as the UDF intensifies its campaign alleging that the government's extreme poverty free declaration is fraudulent and that welfarepensions involve bribery, the allegations are being effectively countered. The leaked conversations and chats linked to Rahul Mankootathil alleging coercion of a woman into abortion have placed the UDF leaders on the defensive.

With the deadline for withdrawing nominations over, the final list of candidates for the local body elections has been released, making the electoral picture clearer. Nearly one lakh candidates are contesting in 23,576 wards. The LDF is centering its campaign on the government’s completed development projects and welfare initiatives implemented without leaving any family behind. The front has already secured unopposed victories in 15 wards, giving it a significant early advantage.

Meanwhile, as the UDF intensifies its campaign alleging that the government’s ‘extreme poverty–free’ declaration is fraudulent and that welfare pensions involve bribery, the allegations are being effectively countered. The leaked conversations and chats linked to Rahul Mankootathil—alleging coercion of a woman into abortion—have placed UDF leaders on the defensive.

Across the state, the LDF’s slogan and campaign narrative appear to have gained public support. False propaganda is not gaining traction at the grassroots, according to LDF leaders. The UDF, which is reluctant to make welfare and development a campaign topic, is caught up in controversies and internal dissent. Congress faces significant challenges due to rebel candidates, with IUML and Kerala Congress (Joseph) rebels active in several areas including Thiruvananthapuram.

The UDF’s desperation is reflected in its widespread seat adjustments with the BJP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and SDPI, LDF leaders alleged. Although the BJP had announced that it would contest statewide, it has not fielded candidates in 3,008 wards, allegedly aiming for vote swaps with the UDF. Reports have also surfaced of Ramesh Chennithala meeting BJP leaders in Kozhikode and evidence of open alliances in places like Kaviyoor panchayat. BJP leaders, meanwhile, are facing backlash over repeated suicides among party workers and leaders.

LDF Wins 15 Wards Unopposed

After the withdrawal period ended on Monday, LDF candidates were declared elected unopposed in 15 wards across Kerala. Four more candidates in Kannur district secured unopposed victories. In Anthoor municipality and Kannapuram grama panchayat, two CPI(M) candidates each were elected without opposition. With this, Kannur has 14 unopposed victories and Kasaragod has one.

In Anthoor municipality, E Rajeetha (13th division, Kodalloor) and K V Premarajan (18th division, Thaliyal) were elected after the returning officer rejected UDF’s nominations for carrying forged signatures. Including earlier wins, Anthoor now has five unopposed LDF victories.

In Kannapuram, the candidatures of Congress (Ward 1) and BJP (Ward 8) were rejected due to forged proposer signatures, resulting in Usha Mohan and T E Mohanan being elected unopposed. With these, LDF now has six uncontested wins in Kannapuram. Three candidates in Malappattam panchayat had already won unopposed earlier. In Kasaragod’s Madiakkai panchayat, the LDF candidate had previously won unopposed in Ward 10.

72,005 Candidates in the Fray

A total of 72,005 candidates will contest the elections—37,786 women, 34,218 men, and one transgender candidate, according to the State Election Commission. Minor adjustments in numbers may occur, the commission added.

The final list across 1,199 local bodies and 23,576 wards has heightened election momentum. The withdrawal deadline was Monday 3 p.m. UDF and BJP made last-minute efforts to pacify rebels, but most attempts failed, reflecting in the final lists.

Meanwhile, the LDF had completed all preparations early and is already far ahead in campaigning. Election symbols have been allotted to candidates.