Tue Dec 23 18:54:14 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text:

The article reports on the election of Jamal Manakkadan, a senior Congress leader, as the chairperson of the Kalamassery municipality in Kochi, India. The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Congress, secured a decisive victory, winning 30 out of 46 wards. This marks Manakkadan’s fourth term as chairperson. His wife, Rukiya Jamal, also won a seat on the council. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will announce its deputy chairperson candidate soon, with Shanida Siddique and Shareena Kamaruddin as potential contenders. The UDF is expected to easily win both the chairperson and deputy chairperson elections due to its large majority. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) saw its representation reduced, while the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) only secured one ward.

Here’s the news article:

Jamal Manakkadan Elected Kalamassery Municipality Chairperson as UDF Dominates Local Elections

KOCHI, India – December 24, 2025 – Senior Congress leader Jamal Manakkadan has been elected as the chairperson of the Kalamassery municipality, following a resounding victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the local body elections. Manakkadan’s election marks his fourth term in the position.

The UDF secured 30 out of the 46 wards in the municipality, paving the way for Manakkadan’s unanimous selection by the Congress Parliamentary Party. His wife, Rukiya Jamal, will also serve on the council, having won her seat representing the Cochin University Engineering College campus ward.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key constituent of the UDF, is expected to announce its candidate for the deputy chairperson post tomorrow. Shanida Siddique and Shareena Kamaruddin are reportedly the frontrunners.

With a commanding majority, the UDF anticipates a smooth election process for both the chairperson and deputy chairperson positions.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) experienced a significant setback, securing only 13 wards compared to its previous tally of 20 in the 2020 elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) managed to retain only one seat, the Thrikkakara Temple ward.

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