The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) says the BJP secured a third consecutive term in the Palakkad municipality despite not having a majority. SDPI leader Mohammed Ilyas said the BJP won power with only 25 out of 53 seats because of the “hypocritical stances” of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). He explained that the LDF and UDF could have stopped the BJP by supporting an Independent candidate for municipal chairperson. "But sadly, both fronts took a stance that indirectly helped the BJP," Mr. Ilyas said. He further accused LDF and UDF of allowing "fascist forces to stay in power," even though they often criticize fascism. “The BJP’s continued rule in Palakkad is no accident; it reflects the political opportunism of both the UDF and the LDF,” said Mr. Ilyas.