Vote counting in crucial elections of local bodies is underway like traditional political fronts: the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led the Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress led the United Democratic Front (UDF) ) and the National Democratic Party led by the Bharatiya Janata Alliance, sat down with their breath held by the results.
According to early trends, the LDF is in the lead in 403 of the 941 gram panchayats, followed by the UDF with 341. Also in the district panchayat, the LDF has a clear lead of 11 seats while the UDF follows with three . In the municipality, UDF and LDF fight a close battle. The UDF leads 39, while the LDF is just one seat behind (38).
Read also | Kerala local body surveys: LDF leads in four corporations, UDF in two
With all Covid-19 protocols in place, the vote counting of the Kerala local body elections started at 8am on Wednesday. Final results are expected at 1 pm.
Here’s what these elections mean for political parties in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections
– Elections of the local civic body are generally considered an indicator of the next elections to the Assembly. The results of the civic body polls will spike the mood of voters as the LDF seeks re-election.
– With a good range of cadres and grassroots, the LDF usually has an advantage in the elections of local bodies. This year, however, this seems difficult as the state’s prime minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, came under fire for the high-profile gold smuggling scandal. One of his ministers is also being questioned by central agencies.
– Reports from the field suggest that some of the early strengths and antecedents of the ruling LDF are overshadowed by sensational cases including corruption, narcotics and the controversial Kerala Police Law.
– The BJP-led NDA, which sought all means to break the bipolar policy led by the UDF and LDF, is hoping to improve its seat count compared to the 2015 civic polls.
(With contributions from the agency)
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