Kerala local body elections 2025 | Kochi Corporation to witness close contest

Kochi, Kerala: In the race to capture the commercial capital of Kerala, none of the political fronts appear confident of securing a sweeping victory in the local body elections. 

Even with optimistic calculations, both Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF admit they are unlikely to reach a large majority. Uncertainty in several wards and razor-thin fights have diminished expectations of big-margin wins.

Post-poll assessments indicate that whichever front comes to power will do so only with a narrow edge. Leaders say there are chances of losing in wards earlier considered safe and, conversely, possibilities of surprising wins in wards previously written off.

The results of the 2025 local body polls in Kerala will be declared on Saturday when the ballots cast by over two crore voters will be counted at 244 centres and 14 district collectorates.

LDF senses advantage

The LDF appears slightly more optimistic in the Kochi Corporation. However, it does not foresee a massive majority. At best, the front expects around 40 seats.

LDF leaders believe they have run a strong campaign from the start, aided by smooth coordination in seat-sharing and candidate selection. That clarity, they feel, helped energise their grassroots efforts. Even so, the front is not relying on defections or rebel candidates from rival camps to secure a decisive win.

According to the assessment, LDF expects a narrow but workable majority achieved through ward-by-ward battles and meticulous micro-management.

UDF counting on new voters

The UDF, on the other hand, is banking heavily on the newly added voters within the corporation limits. Leaders express confidence that their vote base has remained intact despite internal rebel issues.

The UDF also does not expect a huge majority but hopes to secure up to 40 seats, buoyed by the additional voters brought into the rolls and efficient voter mobilisation.

Can BJP retain its existing seats?

A key question is whether the BJP can retain its current five seats in the Kochi Corporation. While the party anticipates unexpected gains in two wards, it worries about possible losses in two others.

If margins between the UDF and LDF remain narrow, the BJP could again play a decisive role, similar to previous patterns.

UDF confident in district panchayat

UDF leaders say the overall political mood in the district reflects strong groundwork for the upcoming Assembly elections. The front expects to increase its tally in the District Panchayat, projecting that it could rise from the present 16 seats to over 20. They are particularly confident about divisions such as Cherai, Kalady, Alangad and Kadungalloor.

The LDF, meanwhile, does not foresee a majority in the District Panchayat but believes it can improve its position and win up to 15 seats.

Municipalities: UDF targets ten

The UDF projects that it can win up to ten municipalities in the district. It is confident of recapturing Eloor Municipality. The LDF, meanwhile, hopes to seize Kalamassery.

Thrippunithura remains unpredictable, with all three fronts investing maximum effort there.

The UDF expects to increase its tally in block panchayats from six to ten. The LDF believes it can retain control of the block panchayats it already governs.

At the gram panchayat level, UDF leaders say the political climate is generally favourable to them and estimate they could win between 50 and 60 panchayats.