Kerala Local Polls: UDF Victorious, NDA Takes Thiruvananthapuram; 2026 Signals

• UDF secured a significant victory in the 2025 Kerala local body elections, winning in four out of six corporations and a majority of district, block, and grama panchayats.
• The BJP-led NDA achieved a "watershed moment" by wresting the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the LDF, winning 50 out of 101 wards.
• The ruling LDF retained Kozhikode Corporation but saw a "poor show" overall, prompting calls for course correction ahead of the 2026 elections.
• The NDA also increased its seat count in Kozhikode Corporation, leading to a hung council, and retained control of Palakkad Municipality.

Why It Matters: Kerala local poll results signal major political shifts for 2026 elections.