UDF, LDF and Twenty20 retain Ernakulam bypoll seats
The United Democratic Front retained two seats in Ernakulam’s local body bypolls, while the Left Democratic Front and Twenty20 retained one each. The results preserved the existing balance across the four contested wards, with Twenty20 also improving its winning margin in Poothrikka.
Political fronts retained all four seats contested in Ernakulam district’s local body bypolls, leaving the balance between the United Democratic Front, Left Democratic Front and Twenty20 unchanged. The UDF retained two seats. Congress candidate Jose Kuniyathodathu won the Madaplathuruth ward of Vadakkekara grama panchayat by 140 votes, polling 611 votes against CPI(M) candidate Laiju Joseph’s 471.
The BJP candidate received 38 votes. The UDF also held the Ayyappankavu division of the Kochi Corporation. That bypoll followed the election of Congress councillor Deepak Joy as the MLA for Thripunithura.
Twenty20 retained Kolencherry east ward in Poothrikka panchayat. Its candidate, Deenamma Jacob, secured 339 votes, defeating the UDF’s Saramma Paily Pillai by 96 votes. The LDF candidate received 137 votes.
Twenty20’s winning margin increased from 49 votes in the 2025 local elections. The bypoll followed the resignation of Twenty20 councillor Pooja Mohan after the party joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance ahead of the Assembly elections. Twenty20 contested independently, without referring to the alliance.
The LDF retained Puliyanam South in Parakkadavu panchayat. CPI(M) candidate Sugandhi Joshy won with 575 votes against the UDF candidate’s 368. The seat became vacant after former CPI(M) councillor Raji Rajeev resigned to take a job abroad.
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