Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram Civic Elections Shape Up for Three-Way Battle
Think of Thiruvananthapuram as a city where people vote for their local leaders.
This year, three big teams – the Red team (LDF), the Blue team (UDF), and the Orange team (NDA) – are all trying hard to win the most votes.
The Red team is the current boss, but the Orange team has become a strong competitor.
The Blue team is also making a strong push this time.
Some tricky issues have made things harder for the Red and Orange teams, while the Blue team is getting more attention.
It's going to be a really close election, and whoever wins will show who is most popular in the city right now.
The election results will also give a hint about who might win bigger elections in the future.
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections are anticipated to be a three-cornered contest between LDF, UDF, and NDA.
The BJP-led NDA has emerged as the principal challenger to the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF since 2015.
The outgoing 100-member corporation has CPI(M) with 52 seats, BJP with 35, UDF with 10, and three Independents.
The upcoming polls will be for an expanded 101-member corporation, with the UDF fielding former legislator K.S. Sabarinadhan.
Controversies and internal issues are reportedly affecting the prospects of the LDF and BJP, while the UDF appears energized.
- Who
- Major political fronts in Kerala: LDF (CPI(M)-led), UDF (Congress-led), and NDA (BJP-led).
- What
- Upcoming Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections, seen as a key test for all three major political fronts.
- When
- The State Election Commission is set to announce the election schedule soon.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kerala
- Why
- To elect representatives for the local body, and serving as a political litmus test for the major fronts.
LDF
UDF
Candidate Strength and Impact
LDF
The LDF, despite controversies, holds the majority in the outgoing corporation. Fielding strong candidates is crucial for them.
UDF
The UDF has announced a significant number of candidates and has seen energised support with the inclusion of former legislator K.S. Sabarinadhan.
Impact of Controversies
LDF
The LDF faces challenges due to controversies such as the Sabarimala gold plating probe and the PM-SHRI scheme issue.
UDF
The UDF has not been as directly impacted by the major controversies mentioned, potentially benefiting from the LDF's challenges.
- Location
- Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kerala
- Number of Political Fronts
- 3 (LDF, UDF, NDA)
- Outgoing Corporation Size
- 100 members
- Outgoing Corporation Leader
- CPI(M)-led LDF (52 seats)
- Main Challenger to LDF (since 2015)
- BJP-led NDA
- Current Corporation Member Breakdown
- CPI(M): 52, BJP: 35, UDF: 10, Independents: 3
- Upcoming Corporation Size
- 101 members
- Upcoming Polls Scope
- Nearly 1,200 local bodies across Kerala (except Mattannur Municipality)