Get ready, political fans! The local bodies in central Kerala - Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur - are set for intense battles that could shake up the region’s power. The mighty CPI(M)-led LDF rules comfortably in Alappuzha, Idukki, and Thrissur. They want to repeat their winning streak. Even Ernakulam, known as a UDF stronghold, saw LDF snatch Kochi Corporation in 2020 after two terms out in the cold. As for the BJP-led NDA? They have a tough mountain to climb. In the last elections, they could only get a handful of seats – 5 in Kochi's 74-seat corporation and 6 in Thrissur's 55-seat body. Their presence elsewhere was almost invisible. The BJP must boost votes and prove their growing support by winning many seats in these LDF bastions. But pesky problems loom – BJP and BDJS squabble over seats in Alappuzha, while CPI(M) and CPI have their own fights, sometimes contesting separately. Also, a secret UDF-LDF handshake to keep BJP out in some panchayats last time could hurt BJP’s hopes again. The Kerala Congress (M) is a game-changer here. As an LDF partner, it’s expanding fast in Idukki with nearly 200 seats this time, after winning 110 last round. They even bagged chair positions in district and village panchayats for the first time. CPI(M) is playing nice, hoping this sweet deal will cement their grip in Idukki’s Christian belt before the big Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the Congress looks more organized. They've smoothly shared seats with allies and faced few rebel candidates. Congress workers kicked off voter enrollment and list updates early, especially in Kochi, gearing up hard for the battle. It’s a smart move they believe will pay off. LDF bosses are proud of development pushes across their ruled bodies and want to retain power, while UDF is on the attack, blaming LDF-run councils for failures. "Perform or perish" - that’s the motto for all sides. These polls are the first sparks before next year’s crucial Assembly elections. It’s political masala at its best in central Kerala – watch this space! (With inputs from Mini Muringatheri in Thrissur and Sandeep Vellaram in Idukki)