Kerala local body polls: UDF poised to reclaim Thrissur Corporation; ‘Suresh Gopi wave’ fails to show up

The United Democratic Front is heading for a definitive comeback in the Thrissur Corporation after a decade; The trends point to an absolute majority and a clear rejection of the much exaggerated “Suresh Gopi effect”. As counting progresses, UDF is leading in 33 divisions and has already passed the halfway mark, while LDF is leading in 11 and NDA in eight. Four independent candidates are also ahead.

Kerala local body polls 2025 results LIVE

The results mark a sharp turnaround from the 2020 public polls, where the UDF narrowly missed out on power in a dramatic result. This election led to a rare stalemate: the BJP won six seats, while the remaining 49 seats were equally divided between LDF and UDF, with 24 seats each, and the decision-making role was handed over to Independent MK Varghese, who eventually became the Mayor.

But this time, the UDF’s leadership has made the Independents politically irrelevant, signaling a clear-cut decision from the voters.

Equally striking is the absence of a visible “Suresh Gopi wave”. The BJP had entered the civic polls with high expectations, banking on Union Minister Suresh Gopi’s 2024 Lok Sabha victory and Thrissur Corporation’s strong performance in all departments. Party leaders had even talked of “capturing Thrissur”, replicating the parliamentary success at the Corporation level.

This projection was inadequate. Although the NDA marginally improved its score from six seats in 2020 to eight leads now, it has failed to make the breakthrough it promised. The translation of parliamentary momentum into expected local gains did not occur.

For UDF, trends point to a definitive correction of what he once described as “the slippage between cup and lip.” While voters seem to be uniting behind the Congress-led front, Thrissur Corporation looks set for a change of guard.