The 2025 Kerala local body election results in Kollam have delivered one of the most surprising political outcomes in the state, with the United Democratic Front ending the Left Democratic Front’s uninterrupted 25-year control of the Kollam Corporation.
The UDF won 27 divisions in the 56-member council, giving it control of the Corporation and marking a major political comeback. This is a sharp reversal from the 2020 elections, when the LDF had a strong majority. The result points to a clear change in urban voter mood and comes as a big boost for the UDF ahead of the next Assembly elections.
The outcome shows a major shift in Kollam’s political landscape. While the UDF emerged as the biggest gainer, the LDF suffered a heavy setback, and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance also made strong gains. The LDF’s seat count fell dramatically from 39 in 2020 to just 16 in 2025. In contrast, the UDF jumped from only 9 seats to 27. The NDA doubled its presence, winning 12 seats.
The defeat of former mayors CPI leader Honey Benjamin from Vadakkumbhagam and CPI(M) leader V Rajendrababu from Uliyakovil highlighted the strong anti-incumbency wave in the Corporation. The results suggest widespread dissatisfaction with the LDF administration, especially over civic issues.
The elections also confirmed the NDA as a significant force in Kollam Corporation politics. With 12 seats, the NDA finished just four seats behind the LDF, creating a clear three-cornered political contest. During the early hours of counting, the NDA was even running second overall, underlining both its rise and the LDF’s decline.
Across Kerala, the NDA recorded major gains. In Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP-led alliance won 50 of the 101 wards, ending 45 years of Left control. The LDF won 29 wards, the UDF 19, and two went to independents. The NDA also retained the Palakkad municipality, won Thrippunithura from the Congress, and made notable gains in several municipalities in Thrissur district.
According to the State Election Commission, the NDA won 1,402 grama panchayat wards and 53 block panchayat wards across Kerala. Its wins included 11 wards in Kollam Corporation, 13 in Kozhikode Corporation, four in Kannur Corporation, and six in Kochi Corporation.
Reacting to the Thiruvananthapuram result, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a watershed moment in Kerala politics. “Thank you Thiruvananthapuram. The mandate the BJP NDA got in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a watershed moment in Kerala’s politics,” he said in a post on X. He added that the people believe their development aspirations can be fulfilled by the BJP and promised to work towards improving ease of living in the city.
BJP leader Shaun George said the results showed a shift in voter loyalty. “People who traditionally depended on the UDF and Kerala Congress will shift their support to the BJP this time,” he said, expressing confidence about gains in central and south Kerala.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also reacted to the results, congratulating both alliances. He praised the UDF’s performance and said it was a strong signal ahead of the Assembly elections. He also acknowledged the BJP’s historic win in Thiruvananthapuram. “The voters have rewarded another party that sought a clear change in governance,” he said, calling it a notable shift in the capital’s political landscape.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan admitted the setback came as a shock and said the party would conduct a detailed review. “The LDF has suffered an unexpected setback. A detailed review will be conducted at all levels and necessary corrections will be made,” he said. He claimed there was no fundamental erosion in the LDF’s support base and alleged that tactical voting played a role in some areas.
Govindan said the Left would analyse why its achievements did not translate into votes and promised that the party would reconnect with the people. “By analysing the setbacks and making necessary corrections, the LDF will overcome this phase,” he added.
