A MASSIVE Left wave has engulfed Kerala's political scene as the CPIM-led Left Democratic Front has swept a major chunk of the seats in the recent local body elections. Dealing a massive blow to the INC-led UDF, LDF has conclusive leads in five city corporations out of six, 10 out of 14 district panchayats, 108 out of 152 block panchayats, 34 out of 86 municipalities, and 514 out of 941 grama panchayats in the state. The present LDF government was much appreciated for the citizen-friendly way in which the state tackled the coronavirus crisis. This election is unique in that the campaign wars were fought out nearly wholly on social media. This definitive verdict that came through despite a massive smear campaign mounted by the opposition and hostile mainstream media is widely seen as a people's verdict.

In 2015, LDF won 549 grama panchayats and 90 block panchayats, seven district panchayats, 44 municipalities and four corporations. BJP performed quite well in last elections with 35 seats in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, this time, finished a distant second behind LDF, which wrested 52 out of 100 seats. The BJP leaders made tall claims that they will rule the corporation in the capital city.

LDF won in Kochi Municipal Corporation, a UDF stronghold after three terms. LDF bagged 34 seats and UDF managed to win in 31 seats in a 74-member corporation. N Venugopal, Mayor post aspirant of UDF has lost with a margin of one vote. LDF’s 39 candidates won in Kollam Municipal Corporation while UDF and BJP won 9 and 6 respectively in 55 members strong corporation council. In 55 member Thrissur Municipal Corporation LDF has won 24 seats. UDF and BJP have won 23 and 6 respectively. In Kozhikode LDF won with 49 seats. UDF and NDA won 14 and 7 respectively.

Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan reacted that it is a people’s victory. LDF could dominate every nook and corner of the state. The people of Kerala always welcomed the pro-poor measures taken by the LDF government. Opposition and a section of media has made false allegations against the government. Various central agencies also tried to scuttle the developmental steps taken by us, he said. Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated all voters who cautiously voted for LDF without falling the prey of false campaigns, he said.