Kerala Local Body Elections 2025: High Voter Turnout

Kerala's local body elections are a crucial aspect of the state's democratic framework, and the first phase of the 2025 elections has witnessed over 50% voter turnout by 2 PM. Voting commenced in seven districts, including Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, covering more than 11,000 wards across various local bodies. The participation of prominent political figures like Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Congress leaders has underscored the elections' significance.

However, the elections have not been without controversy. In Vanchiyoor, tensions flared when the BJP accused CPI(M) of facilitating fake voting through transgender individuals, claiming there were no transgender voters listed. The CPI(M) countered this by stating that the electoral rolls had been published multiple times and were open for verification. This dispute led to clashes, protests, and police intervention, highlighting the heated political atmosphere in the state.

Amidst these tensions, both major alliances—the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF)—expressed confidence in their chances of victory. The UDF pointed to anti-incumbency sentiments fueled by rising prices and utility rate hikes as reasons for potential voter discontent with the current government. With the party's swift action against an expelled MLA, they believe they can mitigate any damage to their campaign.

Voting is not just a political exercise; it reflects the people's aspirations and concerns. Leaders like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasized the importance of young candidates and the need for change, urging voters to support new faces in local governance. Similarly, UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash expressed unwavering confidence in the party's success in this election.

As the election process unfolds, the call for voter participation has been echoed by various leaders, including Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who urged citizens to engage actively in shaping their future. The local body elections are seen as a litmus test for the ruling government, as past performance will be weighed against the promises of change from opposition parties.

In a unique political twist, the corporate entity, Kitex Group, is expanding its influence through its political party, Twenty20. This has led to unusual alliances among traditional political rivals—CPI(M), Congress, and BJP—uniting to challenge the growing power of a corporate-backed party. This election cycle will be a defining moment for Kerala, as voters assess governance and demand accountability from their elected representatives.