Keralam local body bypolls: UDF retains Kuttichira ward in Kozhikode Corporation

Local body bypolls in Ernakulam district concluded with the status quo remaining unchanged on Tuesday. The United Democratic Front (UDF) secured two out of the four wards, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Twenty20 Party each retained a single seat.

The UDF maintained its hold in the Ayyappankavu division of the Kochi Corporation, following Deepak Joy's successful election as Thripunithura MLA. The UDF retained this seat with Jose Kuniyathodathu of the Congress party winning by 140 votes. Kuniyathodathu received 611 votes compared to Laiju Joseph of the CPI(M) who garnered 471 votes.

The UDF also retained the Madaplathuruth ward of Vadakkekara grama panchayat. In this ward, Jose Kuniyathodathu of the Congress party won with 611 votes against Laiju Joseph's 471 votes.

Twenty20 Party secured its seat in the Kolencherry east ward of Poothrikka panchayat, a result that appeared to be due to the political forum's high-profile nature. Twenty20's Deenamma Jacob won the seat by 96 votes, with 339 votes compared to 243 for UDF's Saramma Paily Pillai and 137 for LDF's Neethu Joyd.

Twenty20's Deenamma Jacob improved its winning margin from 49 votes in the 2025 election in the ward. The bypoll was necessitated by Pooja Mohan's resignation after protesting the party's decision to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance ahead of assembly polls.

The Left Democratic Front retained its two seats, with Puliyanam South of Parakkadavu panchayat remaining under its control. Sugandhi Joshy of the CPI(M) won by 207 votes against Mallika of the UDF. Joshy received 575 votes, while Mallika garnered 368 votes. Sandra Subrahmanian of the BJP ended up fourth with 25 votes. The seat had fallen vacant following Raji Rajeev of the CPI(M) resigning after finding a job abroad.