Kozhikode, one of Kerala’s six municipal corporations alongside Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur, has historically been a politically relevant city. The corporation comprises 76 wards, including Elathur, Chettikulam, Puthur, Malapparamb, Vengeri, Puthiyara, Kallai, Meenchantha, Westhill and Puthiyappa, among others.

2020 Election Snapshot

In the 2020 Municipal Corporation elections, Kozhikode had 75 wards at the time. The results were:

  • LDF: 49 (CPM: 45, CPI: 1, LJD: 1, NCP: 1, Congress-S: 1)
  • UDF: 14 (Congress: 9, IUML: 5)
  • NDA: (BJP 7)
  • Independents and Others: 5

The CPM led LDF won a decisive majority, consolidating its presence in urban wards. UDF retained some traditional strongholds, while BJP managed to make small gains in select areas like Chevarambalam, Puthiyara, Meenchantha and East Hill. Independents captured a few pockets, highlighting local dynamics where candidate reputation often outweighed party influence.

Key takeaways from 2020

  • LDF dominance: CPI-M maintained control in central and suburban wards, reflecting strong grassroots support.
  • UDF limited presence: Congress and IUML were confined to select pockets, signaling challenges in expanding urban appeal.
  • BJP inroads: A small yet visible presence in urban wards hinted at the party’s growing ambitions in Kozhikode.
  • Independent influence: Some residents preferred independents over party candidates, showing local issues and personalities mattered.

Looking ahead to 2025

The 2025 Kozhikode Municipal Corporation elections are expected to be highly competitive:

LDF: Likely to defend its majority, especially in wards with long-standing CPM presence. Urban development, local governance performance, and resident satisfaction will be key factors.

UDF: Aiming to reclaim lost ground, particularly in Congress and IUML bastions. Coalition strategy and fielding strong local candidates will determine gains.

NDA: Expected to expand influence, building on previous inroads, especially in northern and central wards where urban voters may resonate with its agenda.

Independents and local groups: Could play spoiler in wards where major parties fail to address grassroots concerns.

Ward-level trends to watch

Certain wards could be bellwethers for the 2025 election:

  • Elathur and Chettikulam: Traditionally contested by LDF and UDF.
  • Meenchantha and Westhill: BJP pockets with potential for growth.
  • Vengeri and Puthiyara: LDF bastions; any major swing could indicate a larger trend.