Wed Oct 22 14:26:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

The Kozhikode Corporation in Kerala, India, determined ward reservations for upcoming elections via a lottery system overseen by the Director (Urban) of the Department of Local Self Government on October 21, 2025. Specific wards were designated for women and Scheduled Caste candidates based on the lot. The United Democratic Front (UDF) council party boycotted the event, alleging a lack of transparency, specifically regarding the reservation of the newly formed Mavoor Road ward for women. They intend to file a complaint with the State Election Commission. Reservation seats for the Kozhikode district panchayat were also selected through lots on the same occasion.

News Article:

Kozhikode Corporation Ward Reservations Decided by Lottery; UDF Alleges Irregularities

Kozhikode, Kerala – October 22, 2025 – The Kozhikode Corporation finalized ward reservations for the upcoming local body elections yesterday, October 21, through a lottery system. The process, overseen by Director (Urban) Sooraj Shaji of the Department of Local Self Government, determined which of the 76 wards would be reserved for women and Scheduled Caste candidates.

[A list of wards reserved for women and Scheduled Castes as indicated in the source text.]

However, the United Democratic Front (UDF) council party boycotted the event, raising serious concerns about the transparency of the process. According to UDF representatives, the newly formed Mavoor Road ward (62) was designated as a women’s reservation without proper inclusion in the lottery, allegedly violating Election Commission guidelines.

“We believe there were irregularities in how the wards were reserved, particularly with the Mavoor Road ward,” stated K.C. Shobhita, leader of the UDF council party. “We will be filing a formal complaint with the State Election Commission to investigate this matter.” Deputy leader K. Moideen Koya echoed these concerns.

In addition to the corporation wards, reservation seats for the Kozhikode district panchayat were also determined via lottery on the same occasion.
[A list of reservation selections as indicated in the source text.]

The State Election Commission has yet to comment on the UDF’s allegations. The upcoming elections will be closely watched, with the UDF’s challenge potentially adding a layer of controversy to the proceedings.

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