UDF Plunges Into Chaos as LDF Advances Smoothly Ahead of Kerala Local Body Elections

As Kerala, the state with the strongest local self-governance system in the country, heads toward local body elections, the LDF is moving forward with confidence as usual. The UDF, however, is plagued by internal conflicts, disputes among allies, clashes, and resignations. Since the LDF’s booth and ward-level committees had begun preparations early, they were able to finalize their candidates smoothly, with no disagreements within the front.

Thiruvananthapuram: Meanwhile, the internal conflicts within UDF is worsening everyday. In some places—such as the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation—Congress prematurely announced a few candidates, which backfired. As soon as the lists were released, a number of people across the state resigned, accusing the Congress of sidelining its allies.

In the Malappuram Kottakkal municipality, the Muslim League candidate will contest in a Congress ward under the “hand” symbol. Although Congress had already announced its candidate, the League fielded its own contender, escalating the dispute. The Congress district leadership later intervened and instructed Congress workers to concede the seat to the League.

In Kozhikode Corporation, councillor and Women’s League Mandalam President Ramlath, Chelavoor area president Mustafa, and Women’s League secretary Sajida resigned.

Congress Kalpetta Block Secretary K. Vijayan resigned on Saturday and joined the CPI(M). In Wayanad, 16 local leaders, activists, and elected representatives quit the Congress party. Pothadi panchayat members Nellikkayam Thankachan and M. V. Rajan were among the elected representatives who resigned.

In Kochi Corporation, UDF councillors Bastian Babu, Shanta Vijayan, Sunitha Dixon, and Malini Kuruppu resigned. Shanta and Sunitha will contest as BJP candidates, while Bastian and Malini will run as rebel candidates. Paravur municipal councillor Soman Madhavan resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP.

Kalamassery Block Congress Committee Vice President Anvar Kareem Njakkada, Kalamassery Ward 27 Youth Congress President Vinod Nelson, and Koothattukulam Congress leader Deepa Shaji also resigned and will contest as LDF-backed candidates. Rosmary Martin, Vice President of the Congress-ruled Mulavukad Panchayat, resigned and will run as an LDF-supported independent.

Because the UDF has failed to reach consensus, candidate selection in Alappuzha district remains incomplete. A section of the KSU and Youth Congress leadership is preparing to openly rebel in the elections, accusing the party of ignoring them in favor of factional nominees.