Kochi: The Twenty20 party has faced a significant electoral setback in the ongoing Kerala local body elections, with early trends indicating that it is likely to retain control over only one of the four panchayats it governed earlier. The developments mark a sharp contrast to the party’s previous dominance in select areas around Kochi, which had positioned Twenty20 as a strong alternative force in grassroots politics.

Counting trends show that the party has lost ground in key panchayats such as Kunnathunadu, Kizhakkambalam and Mazhuvannur, where the United Democratic Front (UDF) has emerged with decisive leads. These areas were once considered strongholds of Twenty20, particularly Kizhakkambalam, which had become symbolic of the party’s governance model and political identity. The erosion of support in these regions reflects a clear shift in voter preference.

In Mazhuvannur panchayat, the results so far indicate a fragmented outcome, with Twenty20 managing to secure leads in only three wards, while the UDF has surged ahead in seven wards. The pattern suggests a strong anti-incumbency sentiment and a consolidation of votes in favour of the UDF, weakening Twenty20’s position in local administration.

Ikkaranad panchayat stands out as the lone exception where Twenty20 has managed to retain its influence. The party has reportedly taken a clear lead in ten wards there, allowing it to hold on to power and avoid a complete wipeout in the region. However, political observers note that retaining just one panchayat out of four still represents a substantial decline in the party’s overall standing.

The emerging results underline the fluid nature of Kerala’s local politics, where voter expectations at the grassroots level continue to evolve. For Twenty20, the outcome signals the need for introspection and recalibration, while for the UDF, the gains point to renewed organisational strength and voter confidence. As final results are awaited, the trends already indicate that the balance of power in several local bodies is undergoing a notable realignment.