Sabarimala Gold Scandal Sinks Kerala LDF in Local Polls, Threatens 2026 Hold

• Kerala local body election results show a setback for the LDF, with the UDF performing strongly and BJP making gains.
• The BJP secured a symbolic victory in the ward of former CPM minister A. Padmakumar, an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
• The Sabarimala gold theft scandal, involving over 300 kg of gold and implicating CPM-linked individuals, significantly damaged the LDF's image.
• LDF lost ground in district and gram panchayats compared to 2020, while UDF gained and BJP won Thiruvananthapuram.
• These results are seen as a warning for the LDF ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, potentially threatening the Left's last stronghold in Kerala.

Why It Matters: Sabarimala scandal-hit Kerala local election results threaten LDF's last stronghold.