{
  "id": 10657371,
  "title": "Keralam local body bypolls: Congress-led UDF suffers setback as Opposition LDF wrests seven wards",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/keralam-local-body-bypolls-congress-led-udf-suffers-setback-as",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T09:16:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/keralam-local-body-bypolls-congress-led-udf-suffers-setback-as-opposition-ldf-wrests-seven-wards/article71523138.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the recent Keralam local body bypolls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) faced a setback as the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) managed to secure seven out of the 38 wards. The UDF retained 19 seats, while the LDF claimed 18. The final results were announced on September 29, 2026. The UDF managed to retain 15 wards, while the LDF secured 11. The NDA's Twenty20 won in Kolenchery East ward in Ernakulam district, and in Chittur-Thathamanagalam municipality, the LDF won after a draw, as both candidates received 423 votes. The Thrikodithanam division of the Kottayam district panchayat saw the CPI(M) candidate Manju Sujith win by 2,140 votes. The LDF also won in Anchuthengu ward of Chirayinkeezhu block panchayat and Mundakkal ward in Mangalapuram panchayat. The loss has prompted criticism within the UDF, with Vamanapuram MLA Muhammed Sudheersha S. stating that the party will reflect on the setback. The UDF retained victories in Pathanamthitta district and won a ward in Chelakkara panchayat in Thrissur district. The Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Kannur districts saw LDF gains, while the UDF secured wins in all four seats of Pathanamthitta district.",
  "summary": "Of 38 wards where by-elections were held, UDF wins 19 seats, while LDF secures 18. Twenty20 wins in Poothrikka",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Keralam local body bypolls: UDF retains Ayyappankkavu in Kochi Corporation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/keralam-local-body-bypolls-udf-retains-ayyappankkavu-in-kochi",
        "published": "2026-09-29T06:49:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "In first electoral test since May win, UDF loses 3 seats in Keralam local bodies bypolls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/in-first-electoral-test-since-may-win-udf-loses-3-seats-in-keralam",
        "published": "2026-09-29T09:57:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}