UDF candidate Farzeena Arakkal, who won the byelection to Kuttichira in Kozhikode corporation
Thiruvananthapuram : Congress-led UDF suffered a setback in byelections held to 38 local body wards, winning only 19 seats — down from the 22 it held earlier — while its victory margins shrank sharply in several wards. LDF won the Mangalam-Mundakkal district panchayat ward by 139 votes and the Anjuthengu block panchayat division. In Kottayam, CPM ’s Sunny Varghese wrested Kumbanthanam ward of Pampady panchayat from Congress by 66 votes.
UDF retained Ayyappankavu division of Kochi Corporation and the ninth ward of Vadakkekkara panchayat, while LDF won Parakkadavu-Puliyanam. Twenty20 won in Poothrikka, leaving Congress and Twenty20 with seven seats each in the panchayat. LDF also won the sixth ward of Peralassery panchayat in Kannur from UDF.
The byelections, held four months after the V D Satheesan-led govt assumed office, also saw the front lose wards represented by its MLAs. Congress suffered a major setback in Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram, losing two seats amid factional disputes and a scuffle involving MLA Ramya Haridas. The Anjuthengu victory gave LDF a majority in Mangalam panchayat. In Ernakulam, the fronts largely retained their existing seats. In Malappuram, UDF retained Vengara and Thanur wards, while LDF retained Mankada and Kalady. In Kalady’s 12th ward, the Congress candidate finished third, with the BJP in second place.