The LDF had to be content with six seats while the BJP wrested one from the LDF.
What is significant is that the UDF has bagged nine of the ten seats in north Kerala which are traditional Left strongholds. Pointing to the Indian Union Muslim League’s comeback trail, the UDF also bagged all six seats in the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district. In Palakkad, the influence of CPM dissidents was evident in two seats that the Congress wrested from the CPM.
Since the LDF traditionally enjoyed an upper hand in the civic body elections, irrespective of the outcome of elections to the legislature and parliament, the present trend is seen as ominous for the front.
The results might be a reflection of the persisting anti-LDF sentiments despite the cleansing and corrective measures being undertaken by the beleaguered CPM for its lapses during the Lok Sabha elections.
