LDF worker shaves moustache after Pathanamthitta loss; UDF, BJP sweep Kerala.

• LDF worker Babu Varghese shaved his moustache after the party lost Pathanamthitta Municipality, fulfilling a pre-election vow.
• The Congress-led UDF delivered a significant blow to the LDF in Pathanamthitta, securing a majority in the district panchayat and winning control of several local bodies.
• The UDF emerged as the dominant force across Kerala in the local body elections, winning a majority of municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats.
• The LDF suffered losses at all levels statewide, while the BJP-led NDA wrested control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation from the CPI(M).

Why It Matters: Kerala local election results signal a major political shift, impacting future state polls.