Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed gratitude to voters across the state for supporting the BJP and NDA candidates in the ongoing local body elections, stating that the results reflect growing public dissatisfaction with both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister said that people in Kerala increasingly see the NDA as the only viable alternative capable of delivering good governance and inclusive development. “My gratitude to the people across Kerala who voted for BJP and NDA candidates in the local body polls in the state. Kerala is fed up of UDF and LDF. They see NDA as the only option that can deliver on good governance and build a Vikasita Keralam with opportunities for all,” Modi said.

Thiruvananthapuram result termed watershed moment

The Prime Minister laid special emphasis on the performance of the BJP-NDA in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, calling it a landmark development in the state’s political history. Thanking voters in the state capital, Modi said the mandate reflected people’s confidence that the BJP could address Kerala’s long-pending development aspirations.

“Thank you Thiruvananthapuram! The mandate the BJP-NDA got in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a watershed moment in Kerala’s politics. The people are certain that the development aspirations of the state can only be addressed by our Party,” he said.

Modi added that the BJP would focus on improving urban infrastructure and quality of life in the capital city. He said the party would work towards the city’s growth and strengthen the ‘Ease of Living’ for its residents.

Praise for BJP cadre in Kerala

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to acknowledge the role played by BJP workers at the grassroots level, especially in a state where the party has historically faced organisational and electoral challenges.

“My gratitude to all hardworking BJP Karyakartas who have worked among the people, which has ensured a spectacular result in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation,” Modi said. He described the outcome as the culmination of decades of effort by party workers who had built the organisation in Kerala under difficult circumstances.

“Today is a day to recall the work and struggles of generations of Karyakartas in Kerala, who worked at the grassroots, which ensured today’s result became a reality. Our Karyakartas are our strength and we are proud of them,” the Prime Minister added.

Latest trends show UDF ahead statewide

According to the latest trends released by the Kerala State Election Commission, the UDF, led by the Congress, continues to hold an overall lead in the local body elections. The alliance is leading in 3,155 wards across the state.

The ruling LDF, led by the CPI(M), is ahead in 2,565 wards, while the NDA, spearheaded by the BJP, is leading in 577 wards. Candidates from other parties and independents are leading in 532 wards.

The updated figures suggest that the UDF has gained ground compared to earlier trends, particularly in several urban and semi-urban areas. Political observers note that while the BJP-NDA’s overall tally remains lower than the two major fronts, its improved performance in select urban centres marks a notable shift in Kerala’s political landscape.

BJP hopeful of gains in central and south Kerala

Senior BJP leader Shaun George expressed confidence that the NDA would register further gains, especially in central and south Kerala. Speaking to ANI, George claimed that a section of voters who traditionally supported the UDF and Kerala Congress had begun shifting towards the BJP.

“We are very confident that the BJP will secure a good margin in the central Kerala belt, and we will also achieve a strong victory this time in South Kerala,” he said. According to him, growing disenchantment with both the Congress-led UDF and the Left had opened political space for the BJP in regions where it earlier struggled to make an impact.

Political significance of local body polls

The Kerala local body elections are widely seen as a key indicator of shifting political moods ahead of future Assembly and parliamentary contests. Local body polls in the state are fought intensely, as they influence governance at the grassroots level and shape alliances and strategies for larger elections.

While the UDF appears to have retained its overall edge, analysts say the BJP-NDA’s performance, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, could have long-term implications. The capital city has often been viewed as a testing ground for the BJP’s growth prospects in Kerala.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s remarks underline the BJP’s attempt to project the local body election results as evidence of a changing political narrative in Kerala. Although the UDF remains ahead statewide, the BJP-NDA’s gains, especially in urban pockets, have provided fresh momentum to the party. As counting progresses and final results emerge, the extent to which these trends translate into a broader political shift will be closely watched by all major stakeholders in the state.