Sat Dec 13 08:45:59 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The 2025 Kerala local body elections in Kozhikode district show a competitive landscape with the United Democratic Front (UDF) challenging the long-standing dominance of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has also made significant gains, particularly in the Kozhikode Corporation. While the LDF and UDF are in a close race for the Corporation, the UDF appears to be gaining ground in the district panchayat and municipalities. Notable upsets include the defeat of the LDF’s Deputy Mayor candidate and the UDF’s Mayoral candidate. The UDF secured a decisive win in Kochi Corporation after five years.

News Article:

UDF Mounts Strong Challenge in Kozhikode Local Body Elections; NDA Sees Gains

Kozhikode, Kerala – December 13, 2025 – The 2025 Kerala local body elections in Kozhikode district are proving to be a hard-fought battle, with the United Democratic Front (UDF) mounting a significant challenge to the Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) traditional stronghold. Initial results trickling in throughout Saturday afternoon revealed a neck-and-neck race for control of the Kozhikode Corporation, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is making considerable gains.

The Kozhikode Corporation, a domain of the LDF for nearly five decades, is witnessing a tight contest. As of 1:30 PM, the LDF was leading or had won 31 wards, closely followed by the UDF with 27. The NDA has significantly increased its presence, securing 13 seats compared to the seven it held previously.

The LDF suffered a notable setback with the defeat of its Deputy Mayor and Mayoral candidate, CP Musafar Ahmed, in the Meenchanda ward. The UDF also faced disappointment as its Mayoral candidate, PM Niyas, lost in the Paroppadi ward.

In the 28-member district panchayat, the UDF is currently leading or has won 16 divisions, while the LDF holds 12. The UDF retained its supremacy in four of the seven municipalities including Feroke, Koduvally, Payyoli and Ramanattukara.

These elections reflect a shifting political landscape in Kerala, with the UDF gaining momentum and the NDA expanding its influence. Further results are awaited to determine the final outcome of this closely contested election. In Kochi Corporation, Congress-led UDF romps back to power after five years.

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