The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) emerged dominant in Kerala's 2025 local body elections, securing control of four out of six municipal corporations as vote counting concluded on December 13, 2025. The UDF swept Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur corporations, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
In a significant upset, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) wrested Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the LDF, marking the BJP's strongest performance in the state capital to date. The NDA won 50 seats in the 100-member council, with notable victories for candidates like former DGP R. Sreelekha in Sasthamangalam and V.V. Rajesh in Kodunganoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the result on social media, stating Kerala was "fed up" with the UDF and LDF and saw the NDA as the alternative for good governance.
The LDF managed to retain only Kozhikode Corporation, suffering heavy losses, including a halving of its seats in Thiruvananthapuram to 29. LDF Convenor T. P. Ramakrishnan acknowledged the setback, promising a micro-level analysis of the verdict and corrective steps based on public opinion.
Also Read: India-UK Trade Deal Secures Compulsory Licensing Freedom and £90B Procurement Access
UDF leaders celebrated the outcome as a strong rebuke to the State Government. Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan described it as a "warning" against misgovernance, while KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the results signalled rejection of the LDF administration.
In Kollam Corporation, the UDF secured a clear majority with victories in key divisions like Shakthikulangara Harbour, Meenathuchery, and Kavanad, though the NDA notched wins in select wards including Shakthikulangara and Thevalli.
The elections, covering urban and rural bodies statewide, underscored shifting political dynamics in Kerala, with the NDA gaining ground in urban centres while the UDF capitalised on anti-incumbency against the LDF ahead of future assembly contests.
Also Read: Jairam Ramesh Questions India's Absence from US Pax Silica Tech Group