Kerala local body polls: Counting begins, transitional fronts confident

Counting of votes polled in crucial local body elections began on Wednesday morning with traditional political fronts-CPI (M)-led LDF, Congress-headed UDF and BJP-NDA- keeping ir fingers crossed as its result is generally seen as pointer to upcoming Assembly election.

A total of 21,893 wards in 1,200 local self-governing bodies including 6 corporations, 941 vill panchayats, 14 district panchayats and 87 municipalities, went to polls in three phases in sourn state on December 8, 10 and 14. According to Election Commission figures, a total of 73.12 per cent voter turut was recorded in first phase, 76.78 per cent in second phase and 78.64 per cent in third and final phase.

counting began at 244 centres at 8.00 am and final results were expected to be out by on, Election Commission sources here said. Postal ballots, including special ballots issued to COVID-19 positive voters and those under quarantine, were counted first, y said adding that entire counting procedure was held in adherence with COVID-19 protocols.

Section 144 has been in place in rrn Malappuram and in some pockets of neighbouring Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts ahead of anuncement of poll results. This time, civic body polls have gained comparatively more significance as its result is generally considered to reflect political mindset of sourn state which would go to assembly polls after some months.

So, despite COIVD-19 protocols and restrictions, state witnessed a fierce campaign in which everything right from national politics to state issues became a campaign tool. ruling LDF, which used to showcase a good performance in civic body polls, banked on achievements in development front under four and half years old rule of Pinarayi Vijayan government.

However, opposition UDF, during campaign, focused on various corruption charges against government and controversies related to gold smuggling case and allegations cropped up against Chief Minister's office. BJP-NDA, which was looking all means to break decades-old bipolar polity led by UDF and LDF, was hopeful of showcasing an impressive performance and garner three-fold seats compared to 2015 civic polls.

In 2015, ruling Left front had nearly swept civic polls by winning 549 vill panchayats, 90 block panchayats, 44 municipalities and four corporations. At district panchayat level, both UDF and LDF had won 7 seats each. BJP had come third in terms of wards in 2015 but displayed an impressive performance in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and Palakkad municipality.