Local body results: LDF calls for serious introspection, UDF sets eyes on 2026, 'Mayor' delight for NDA

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the LDF is preparing to examine the unexpected setback it faced in the local body elections, the UDF is busy evaluating its victory at the ward level. The NDA, meanwhile, is in high élan, looking to emulate the success they had in the local body polls to the state level.

In CPM's assessment, their core voter base remains intact despite the loss suffered in the local body polls. The Congress, meanwhile, credited systematic work for their success, even though there existed anti-incumbency and the sentiments over the Sabarimala gold theft case.

The LDF decided to hold emergency review meetings as the election results look likely to dampen their prospects of a consecutive third term. The CPM secretariat will meet on Monday. The election results of all 14 districts will be discussed. The UDF is confident of winning more local bodies. The capture of more corporations will be a plus in the assembly elections. The KPCC and UDF will meet this week. The NDA, which made more gains in South Kerala, rates the Thiruvananthapuram municipality's win as a historic step towards a brighter future in Kerala. The district leadership has been instructed to start work to ensure a similar win in the assembly elections. The BJP state core committee will meet in two days.

BJP state secretary V.V. Rajesh and former DGP R. Sreelekha are under consideration in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipality. If V.V. Rajesh becomes the mayor, Sreelekha will become the deputy mayor.

In Kollam Corporation, where the UDF scripted a historic victory, KPCC member and INTUC district president A.K. Hafeez is being considered for the mayor. In Kochi Corporation, KPCC general secretary Deepti Mary Varghese and Mahila Congress state vice president V.K. Minimol are being considered. Mahila Congress leaders Lali James and Shyamala Muraleedharan, DCC general secretary and former deputy mayor Subi Babu, and DCC vice president Dr Niji Justin are being considered for the mayor of Thrissur Corporation. In Kannur Corporation, the current deputy mayor, Adv. P. Indira and Mahila Congress District President Sreeja Madathil are being considered. In the Kozhikode Corporation, where LDF retained power, Dr Jayashree Kottooli, former Deputy Collector Anitha Kumari and Sadasivan Othayamangalath are on the list.