UDF Wins Vizhinjam Ward in Kerala Local Polls, BJP Falls Short of Majority

In Kerala's special local body elections held on January 12-13, the United Democratic Front (UDF) won the Vizhinjam ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, defeating the Left Democratic Front (LDF) by 83 votes. This victory increased UDF's seats to 20, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority with 50 seats in the 101-member council, relying on independent support. The LDF retained the Onakkoor ward in Ernakulam, and UDF won Payimpadam in Malappuram. These results affect local power dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.