Kerala local body polls: Triangular contest shapes Kasaragod’s high-stakes elections

The tight triangular rivalry between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is redefining the political landscape of Kasaragod, a district with deep linguistic and political diversity. The multifaceted politics of the region, whose social fabric is shaped by seven languages, has ensured that all three fronts have considerable influence, despite the NDA not being represented in the Assembly and Parliament.

The LDF now controls the district panchayat, having seized power with the support of an Independent who defected from the Congress. Of the 17 divisions, eight are in the LDF, seven in the UDF and two in the NDA. Of the three municipalities, UDF rules Kasaragod while LDF is in power in Kanhangad and Neeleswaram.

Of the six block panchayats, LDF runs four and UDF runs two. Political control is fragmented in the 38 grama panchayats in the district: LDF is leading in 19 panchayats, UDF is leading in 15 panchayats and NDA is leading in three panchayats. The multi-party support in Manjeswaram is headed by an Independent.

Fronts entered the battlefield with completely opposite themes. While the LDF highlights State-level achievements along with local development claims, the NDA highlights the performance of the Central government. Meanwhile, the UDF promises remedial development measures while accusing both fronts of overlooking the region and failing in governance.

Delimitation increased the total number of wards and changed boundaries, leading to significant changes in political calculations. While in some regions those in power gain an advantage, in others the Opposition perceives an advantage. But many areas remain unpredictable.

All divisions in the panchayat district are expected to witness intense triangular fights. While LDF aims to improve its points, UDF hopes to regain the strength it narrowly lost last time. NDA is trying to strengthen its presence by securing more seats. Independents are also competing in many areas; UDF’s plan to install the Kerala Students’ Union district secretary as an Independent in a seat reserved for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is a matter of curiosity.

Kasaragod municipality remains a UDF stronghold and the main contest here is usually between the UDF and the NDA. LDF is confident of retaining power in Kanhangad and Neeleswaram. While Neeleswaram seems ready for the status quo, the UDF is confident of winning back Kanhangad. Block panchayat dynamics also show that the current scenario continues.

At the village panchayat level, each front has its own stronghold.

Internal dissent and unresolved disputes plague all three fronts. The friendly fight between the Congress and the IUML in some quarters adds another layer of unpredictability.

As Kasaragod enters a highly contentious local election season, shifting boundaries, rival fronts and unstable local equations are paving the way for a contentious election environment.