Tue Jan 13 07:06:14 UTC 2026: # UDF Wrests Vizhinjam Ward from LDF in Kerala Local Body Election

The Story

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has secured a victory in the Vizhinjam ward of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Kerala, in a local body election held on January 12, 2026. This win marks a significant turnaround for the UDF, which had lost the ward to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) a decade ago. The election was initially postponed due to the death of a candidate. The UDF candidate, K.H. Sudheer Khan, won by a narrow margin of 83 votes, defeating LDF candidate N.A. Noushad of CPI(M).

The outcome also deals a blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had harbored ambitions of achieving a majority in the Corporation by winning the Vizhinjam ward. The presence of LDF and Congress rebels, who secured a small number of votes, significantly impacted the final results, particularly the LDF rebel, N.A. Rasheed, whose votes exceeded the winning margin.

Key Points

  • The UDF’s K.H. Sudheer Khan won the Vizhinjam ward election with 2,902 votes.
  • The LDF’s N.A. Noushad secured 2,819 votes.
  • BJP candidate Sarvashakthipuram Binu came in third with 2,437 votes.
  • LDF rebel N.A. Rasheed polled 118 votes, exceeding the winning margin.
  • The UDF victory increases their strength in the Corporation to 20 seats.
  • The BJP, with 50 seats, failed to reach the required 51 seats for a majority.
  • The election was held on January 12, 2026, after being postponed due to a candidate’s death.

Key Takeaways

  • Local elections in Kerala continue to be closely contested between the UDF and LDF.
  • Rebel candidates can play a decisive role in the outcome of close elections.
  • The BJP’s aspiration to gain a majority in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has been thwarted.
  • The UDF victory indicates a potential shift in local political dynamics.
  • Winning sequence in the just-concluded local body polls in Kerala, has Buoyed the UDF.

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