Bypolls on in 38 Keralam local body wards as UDF govt faces heat over various issues
Polling is underway for by-elections in 38 local body wards across 12 districts in Kerala. The elections serve as a test for the UDF government amid public criticism regarding power cuts and administrative issues.
Why it matters
Local body elections often act as a barometer for public sentiment toward the ruling government's performance.
Polling commenced on Monday (September 28, 2026) morning for the byelections to 38 local body wards in Keralam amidst the criticism from various quarters against the UDF government on issues, such power cuts, Ministers’ foreign junkets and delay in flood relief assistance.
Voting commenced at a brisk pace in the bypolls, the first one after the UDF victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, which began at 7 am, according to reports.
Bypolls are being held in 38 local body wards of 12 districts in the State, except Kollam and Alappuzha, the State Election Commission (SEC) said.
A total of 126 candidates are contesting in the byelections, seeking the mandate of 3,09,713 voters of whom 1,64,241 are women, 1,45,468 are men and four are transgender, it said.
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