The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has scored a big win in Thripunithura municipality, Ernakulam. The NDA won 21 out of 53 seats, overtaking the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which won 20 seats. The United Democratic Front (UDF) came third with 12 seats, an improvement from its previous 8 in 2020. This result surprises many as the LDF had controlled Thripunithura since 1978. In 2020, the LDF held a majority with 25 seats in the 49-member council. BJP had come second then with 15 seats, and UDF third with 8. Since 2010, BJP has steadily increased its presence here. It had only 1 councillor in 2010, rose to 13 in 2015, then 15 in 2020, and 17 after by-elections in 2022. The BJP sees this win as a major boost, as it had long considered Thripunithura a key stronghold. The party has been the main opposition in this temple town since 2015. The UDF is relieved by its better performance this time. The LDF, meanwhile, faces a setback after losing ground in a seat it held for decades.