Facing fading red star in horizon, UDF eyes skies

THE local poll outcome from the capital district will be a major morale booster for the UDF and the NDA in the run up to the 2026 assembly polls, while the LDF, who got a drubbing, will be prompted to have an introspection about their poll strategy and ideate plans that could help them tide over the seemingly pulsating anti-incumbency factor.

- SHAN A S @ T'Puram

Though they fell short of wresting the district panchayat, UDF has strong reasons to rejoice as they improved upon their tally of six from 2020 to 13.

The LDF won with 15 seats - a climb down from 20 last time. In the case of gram panchayats, UDF staged a resurgence winning 25, while LDF bagged 35. The NDA won six panchayats. In 2020, LDF had won 51 panchayats, while UDF had to contend with 14.