Sat Dec 27 13:52:23 UTC 2025: ## Congress-Led UDF Wrests Control in Ernakulam Grama Panchayats Amidst Political Maneuvering

KOCHI, INDIA – December 27, 2025 – In a significant political upset, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has seized control of 71 out of 82 grama panchayats in Ernakulam district, marking what District Congress Committee President Mohammed Shiyas has hailed as a “record win.” The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has been relegated to controlling only seven panchayats.

The shift in power was marked by unexpected alliances and strategic maneuvers, most notably in Vadavucode-Puthencruz grama panchayat. Here, the Kitex-backed Twenty20 party threw its support behind the UDF, enabling Congress’ Reji Thomas to be elected president and Deepa Biju to become vice-president. This alliance allowed the UDF, with only seven members, to wrest control from the LDF, which held the panchayat for the past decade despite having eight members. Twenty20 has successfully secured the president’s post in four grama panchayats.

The election process wasn’t without its share of drama. In Vadavucode block panchayat, the LDF’s Amrutha Sanoop became president via a draw of lots after both the LDF and UDF tied with five members each. Further demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the elections, in Chendamangalam grama panchayat, a CPI(M) rebel vote secured the presidency for the Congress.

Not all elections proceeded smoothly. The vote in Vengola grama panchayat was postponed due to the absence of members from the LDF and Twenty20.

Twenty20 has secured power in Kizhakkambalam, Aikkaranadu, Thiruvaniyoor, and Poothrikka. In Poothrikka where UDF and Twenty20 each had 7 seats and LDF had 2, Twenty20 won the election for the president position due to a draw of lots. However, the Congress party was able to secure the vice-president position in Poothrika.

While the UDF dominates the grama panchayats, the LDF managed to secure presidencies in Vypeen and, through a draw of lots, Pothanikkad.

These election results reveal a changing political landscape in Ernakulam, with smaller parties like Twenty20 playing a significant role in determining the balance of power.

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