LDF Retains Varkala Municipality with 16 Seats
LDF Retains Varkala Municipality with 16 Seats
LDF edges past rivals in a tight Varkala vote, increasing its ward tally to 16 as the new delimitation reshapes local politics.
Varkala voters delivered a clear verdict for the LDF, lifting its seat share from 12 in 2020 to 16 in 2025. The BJP-led NDA slipped to 10 seats, while the Congress-led UDF declined to 6. Independents won two seats. Counting finished on Saturday, with the State Election Commission releasing the results after the tally.
Delimitation of wards in Kerala’s local bodies increased Varkala’s wards from 33 to 34, with the newly formed Janardhanapuram ward going to an LDF candidate, Anushree. The three-cornered contest drew attention as the BJP’s rise in 2020 faced internal UDF dynamics and rebel candidates. LDF seized multiple wards from its rivals, including Karunilakode, Chaluvila, Kallamkonam, and Sivagiri from the BJP, and Kallazhi, Cherumkunnam, Maithanam from the UDF. The NDA captured Ayanikkuzhivila, Kannamba, Teachers Colony, Thachankonam, Perumkulam, Municipal Office, Hospital, Temple, Jawahar Park, and Pinnamoodu. The UDF won Pullanikode, Kanwasramam, Raghunathapuram, Panayil, Kottumoola, and Panayil (listed as a ward under different references).
Two wards—Nadayara and Ramanthali—fell to independent candidates. In 2020, the LDF held 12 seats with independents aiding them, while the UDF had seven and the BJP three. This year’s results reinforce a significant shift in the coastal town’s political landscape, reflecting local issues and the impact of ward delimitation on voter preferences. Analysts note the results signal potential changes in Kerala’s municipal politics and suggest continued attention to development and governance at the local level.
As counting concluded across all 34 wards, observers highlighted the importance of local leadership, delivery on public services, and the evolving dynamics between the party fronts. The outcome sets the stage for continued political competition in Varkala and nearby municipalities in future elections.
Cover image source: BJP falls one short of Thiruvananthapuram majority. Who are the two independent options? 🔗
