Kochi: With the announcement of the local body elections, political fronts have stepped up seat negotiations in Ernakulam district. Talks with major parties have nearly concluded, but the CPM, Congress and BJP continue to hold firm on retaining winnable seats, leaving smaller allies dissatisfied.

Several constituent parties have been denied seats in the district panchayat, prompting efforts to resolve disputes by offering block panchayat wards and other positions instead. There has been relatively less friction in the block panchayats, with parties working to finalise candidates and complete seat-sharing without triggering rebel trouble. Candidates in undisputed areas have already been identified for leadership approval.

The corporation takes centre stage

The main goal of all three fronts is to capture the Kochi Corporation, seen as key to securing control of the district. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan has been tasked by the Congress to develop strategies, and groundwork for the campaign began months ago. The UDF’s corporation-level talks have been completed, with only minor understandings with smaller parties pending.

The Indian Union Muslim League has been allotted seven seats and the Kerala Congress three. The Kerala Congress has already announced candidates for two of them. Smaller allies such as the RSP and CMP, however, remain dissatisfied. Since the Welfare Party is supporting the UDF, some joint candidates of mutual interest may be fielded.

The Congress faces internal challenges, with multiple aspirants in most divisions. Party leaders are working to finalise nominations carefully to prevent rebel candidates from emerging.

Left Front finalises list

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has completed its corporation-level talks, and CPM candidates are likely to be announced on Tuesday. The CPI has been given eight seats, while the Kerala Congress received three. A notable feature of the Left’s list is the inclusion of several former Congress leaders such as PM Harris, AB Sabu, MP Muraleedharan, KJ Prakashan, Gracy Joseph, Sheeba Durom and Johnson Master.

Other CPM candidates include KV Manoj, Shaji Pranatha, George Nanat, KR Reneesh, VA Sreejith and KJ Basil. As the mayor’s post is reserved for a woman, names such as Deepa Varma, Ambika Sudarshan, Bina Mahesh and Aji Francis, all former councillors, are also under consideration.

Meanwhile, the NDA is yet to finalise its corporation-level discussions. Candidate lists have been prepared at the grassroots level, and announcements will be made once leadership approval is secured. However, the BJP is reportedly concerned about a senior woman leader from West Kochi who remains undecided about contesting. Efforts are underway to persuade her to return.

The political outfit Twenty20 is also preparing to contest in the corporation, posing a potential challenge to the established fronts. Candidate announcements are expected soon.

Priority for major parties in the district panchayat

In the district panchayat, seat negotiations are largely focused on major parties. The Left Front is working strategically to regain control of the lost district panchayat. Talks with the CPI have been completed, with the party securing seats in Aluva, Edathala, Alangad, Valakam and Pampakuda.

Other allies, however, are dissatisfied. The NCP remains firm in its demand for Keezhmadu, while the Kerala Congress (M) is eyeing Pothanikkad and Kodanad, though a proposal has been made to swap Kodanad for Neryamangalam. The Janata Dal (Secular) has not been offered any seat, as it did not contest in the last polls.

The UDF is yet to complete its district panchayat negotiations. The Kerala Congress (M) has secured the Pothanikkad seat and is expected to receive either Neryamangalam or Kodanad. The Muslim League has been allotted Edathala and Kadungallur. Within the NDA, discussions are taking place across three district committees, mainly with the BDJS.

Relief in the block panchayats

In the block panchayats, seat-sharing talks have been smoother. Constituent parties that missed out on district panchayat seats are being accommodated with block-level divisions. The Left currently holds seven of the 14 blocks, while the UDF controls six. Twenty20, which governs the Vadavucode block, is also looking to expand its presence this time.

Intense battles in the Municipalities

A fierce contest is expected in the municipalities, where the UDF currently holds the upper hand, ruling in nine areas. The Left is focusing on strategic candidate selection to win back lost ground, while the UDF aims to strengthen its dominance and recapture key municipalities such as Koothattukulam, which it recently regained after four and a half years.

The CPM views this as a significant challenge. The UDF, which governs Thrikkakara with the support of independents, is pushing for a stable, majority-led administration. The Left Front aims to retain control of its strongholds while expanding its reach. The BJP is also aggressively targeting Thrippunithura, where the Left came to power without a clear majority. Twenty20 plans to contest in several major municipalities as well.

Panchayats to decide the political mood

Political fronts believe the mood across the 82 panchayats in the district will serve as a precursor to the assembly elections. Both alliances are aiming to secure as many grassroots victories as possible. While disputes have arisen in a few areas, most discussions are progressing with intervention from top leaders.

Currently, the UDF controls 45 panchayats, the Left governs 33, and Twenty20 holds four. Twenty20 is preparing to contest more panchayats this time.

Internal manoeuvring in several panchayats, including Kavalangad, Payipra, Keerampara and Karumaloor, has created administrative instability, troubling both major fronts. Leaders are now intent on securing clear majorities and avoiding coalition breakdowns, particularly over the recurring disputes related to power-sharing agreements for the post of president.