Kerala Local Body Polls: Vote Counting Begins, LDF, UDF, NDA Lead Early

• Counting of votes for 1,199 local bodies in Kerala commenced at 8 am, starting with postal ballots.
• Initial trends indicate the ruling LDF, opposition UDF, and NDA are leading in various wards.
• Counting is being conducted in 244 centres and 14 district collectorates, with some entry issues reported.
• The results are expected to influence campaigning for the 2026 Kerala assembly elections.
• Oath-taking for elected panchayat members and municipal councillors is scheduled for December 21.

Why It Matters: Local election results will shape Kerala's 2026 assembly election campaigns.