Kerala local body elections: Over 50% of LDF candidates in Kochi Corporation are women

Kochi: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has announced its list of candidates in the Kochi Corporation ahead of the local body elections in the state. The list features 56% women nominees, reflecting the prospect of a woman mayor.

The CPM-led front has released a list of 70 candidates, keeping six seats pending. The list includes nine sitting councillors and 16 former councillors, with selections made based on winnability. Interestingly, a husband-and-wife duo, both former Congress councillors, have found a place in the LDF list.

Seven candidates under the age of 40, including law student Bhagyalakshmi, have been fielded. Senior and experienced former councillors have also been included to ensure strong administrative leadership if the LDF comes to power.

Prominent names in the list include advocates Deepa Varma and P. Anita, Aji Francis, Ambika Sudarshan, Beena Mahesh, and S. Sashikala.

The LDF has assured voters that, if elected, it will maintain the same mayor and deputy mayor throughout the five-year term.

Among the coalition partners, the CPI has been allotted eight seats, Kerala Congress (M) three, JD(S) and NCP two each, and Congress (S) one seat. The Indian National League (INL) will field one independent candidate.