Sat Dec 13 16:00:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) narrowly retained control of the Kozhikode Corporation in local body elections, but faced significant losses across the Kozhikode district. The United Democratic Front (UDF) made substantial gains, breaching LDF strongholds and winning the district panchayat. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also saw increased support in urban areas. While the LDF retained control of some municipalities and block panchayats, their overall performance was weaker compared to the previous election, with factors like anti-incumbency, perceived communal undertones, and the Sabarimala gold theft case potentially influencing the results.

News Article:

LDF Holds Kozhikode Corporation, But Suffers Setbacks in Local Elections

Kozhikode, India – December 13, 2025 – The Left Democratic Front (LDF) managed to retain power in the Kozhikode Corporation, but faced significant setbacks in the broader local body elections across Kozhikode district, the results of which were declared Saturday.

While the LDF secured 34 seats to continue its half-century-long rule in the Kozhikode Corporation, the United Democratic Front (UDF) made substantial gains throughout the district. The UDF won the district panchayat and improved its performance significantly in the Corporation. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also made impressive strides, nearly doubling its seat count in the Kozhikode Corporation to 13.

The LDF’s losses extended beyond the Corporation, losing ground in grama panchayats and surrendering the district panchayat to the UDF. The LDF won eight of the 12 block panchayats. Municipal victories were split, with the LDF winning Mukkom, Koyilandy, and Vadakara, while the UDF secured Ramanattukara, Feroke, Payyoli, and Koduvally.

Political analysts suggest that a combination of factors contributed to the LDF’s diminished performance, including anti-incumbency sentiment towards the state government, perceived communal undercurrents, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala gold theft case. Campaigns focusing on UDF’s “tactical tie-up” with Welfare Party of India (WPI) and sexual misconduct charges against Rahul Mamkootathil did not have desired impact

The election results signal a potential shift in the political landscape of Kozhikode, with the UDF emerging as a strong challenger to the traditionally dominant LDF.

Read More