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Kerala local body bypolls: LDF makes gains as UDF faces setback
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) faced a setback in its first local electoral test following the recent Assembly elections, as the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) made significant gains in Kerala's local body bypolls.
Across 38 contested wards, the UDF secured between 18 and 19 seats, a decrease from the 22 sitting seats it previously held. In contrast, the LDF increased its presence, winning between 16 and 18 seats, up from 15. The BJP-led NDA retained one seat, while three wards were won by independent candidates.
The results showed a notable exchange of territory; the LDF captured several wards previously held by the UDF, including areas in Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram. While the UDF performed strongly in Pathanamthitta, winning all four contested wards, it saw reduced margins in other regions like Kozhikode and Wayanad. The LDF's gains are viewed as political relief following their recent Assembly defeat, with the opposition targeting the Satheesan government on issues such as power shortages and administrative delays.
Entities
Congress · Indian Union Muslim League · Kerala · Left Democratic Front · State Election Commission · United Democratic Front · V. D. Satheesan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) claims the Administrative Reforms Commission post was previously settled for M K Muneer.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Congress party has claimed the chairmanship of the Administrative Reforms Commission.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Of the 38 wards, 22 are currently held by the UDF and 15 are held by the LDF.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Counting for the local body by-elections is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Polling for 38 local body wards in Kerala began at 7 a.m. on Monday.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The by-elections cover two corporation wards, three municipality wards, three district panchayat divisions, seven block panchayat wards, and 23 grama panchayat wards.