Shock treatment for UDF government? What Kerala local by-election results indicate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is nothing big to cheer about for UDF in the first by-polls they faced since the VD Satheesan-led government came to power almost five months ago. In the elections held for 38 wards, the LDF won 18 seats, while the UDF secured 19; 'Twenty20' won one seat. Before the polls, the UDF held 22 seats, and the LDF 15.

Of the two district panchayat divisions that went to the polls, the UDF managed to retain the Kallara division. However, UDF lost the Thrikkodithanam division in Kottayam district. In the Kallara division—where the incumbent Vamanapuram MLA Sudheersha Palode had once won with a substantial margin—the UDF's majority has now been cut roughly in half. This trend is mirrored in the majority of constituencies won by the UDF.

UDF was dealt a big blow after they lost many sitting seats. Most significant among these were two seats in the Chirayinkeezhu constituency; the UDF lost the Mangalapuram Mundakkal ward by 139 votes as well as the Anchuthengu Block Panchayat division. With the gain of one additional ward, the LDF secured a majority to rule independently.

Apart from Thiruvananthapuram, UDF faced the heat also in Palakkad. While the LDF secured two seats there, the UDF managed to win only one. The LDF captured the Chittur Paruthikkavu ward, vacated by MLA Sumesh Achuthan. With the two sides tied, a draw of lots ultimately favoured the LDF. LDF also emerged victorious in Alathur.

Although the UDF retained the seats vacated by Fathima Thahliya and Usha Vijayan, there was a significant drop in their winning margins. While the UDF held onto the Pallikkal division of the Mananthavady Block Panchayat in Wayanad, the lead of 1055 votes secured by Usha Vijayan in the previous election shrank to 331 this time. Similarly, in the Kuttichira ward of the Kozhikode Corporation, Farsina Arakkal of the League won by 436 votes, yet she could secure only one-fourth of the 2,273-vote margin previously achieved by Fathima Thahliya.

Political experts opine this to be a shock treatment for UDF as they may have inadvertently turned complacent following the assembly election victory. Several issues—including load-shedding and the freezing of pensions for women—can be cited as reasons for this setback.

The Left Democratic Front was in tatters following the drubbing received in the assembly elections and the worsening internal conflicts and ED investigations. However, today’s result may offer them a little solace. Despite fears that the party may go decadent in the state, this result proves that nothing is lost yet for LDF. They have been given a platform to bounce back as a strong contender in the political spectrum of Kerala.