LDF, UDF and BJP to show strength; local body elections to get fierce as all three fronts preparing for life-and-death battle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All three fronts are preparing for a life-and-death battle in the local body elections, which is a crucial step for the assembly. The fronts are estimating that they can enter the assembly election with confidence if they establish dominance in the local body. The UDF, which has not been able to rule the state for a long time, has started preparing the ground early for the elections this time. Seat distribution and candidate selection began without any disputes in many places.

LDF had the upper hand in the last local body elections. The Left won five out of the six corporations. However, the Kannur Corporation had abandoned the LDF. This time, the LDF aims to retain power in five places and capture Kannur.

The NDA, which won 36 gram panchayats and two municipalities last time, is also preparing for a strong campaign. The NDA is mainly targeting the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. In the 101-member corporation, the LDF has 51 members and the NDA has 34. The UDF has 10 members. The NDA calculates that it can overcome the LDF by increasing the number of members. The UDF entered the battlefield in the capital by giving the responsibility to former KPCC president K Muraleedharan through precise calculations. How this will affect the NDA's moves is also important.

UDF announce candidates early

The UDF had initially gained a small lead by announcing the first phase of candidates in the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations. Out of the six corporations, the UDF has power only in Kannur. The UDF entered the field earlier to change it this time. The corporations of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode are under the control of the LDF. 63 Congress candidates have been announced in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. 13 candidates have been announced in Kollam. The first election after the formation of Kannur Corporation was held in 2015. In the corporation with 55 divisions, LDF and UDF won 27 seats each. However, the LDF came to power with the support of Congress rebel PK Ragesh. After Ragesh withdrew his support, the two fronts shared the rule for the remaining three years. However, in the last election, the UDF regained the corporation by winning 34 seats. The LDF won 19 seats. For the first time, the BJP won even a division in the corporation.