Kozhikode is gearing up for its civic body elections on December 11. This election is high-stakes because the city was named India’s first UNESCO City of Literature just over a year ago. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by CPI(M), is using this achievement to boost its campaign. It tries to counter attacks from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This time, the corporation has 76 seats instead of 75. All three fronts—LDF, UDF, and BJP—are adjusting their ward-wise strategies in a tightly fought race. LDF enjoys a strong hold, having controlled the corporation for about 45 years. They cover four assembly seats in Kozhikode, with two representatives serving as State Ministers. The UDF, despite strong leaders like MP M.K. Raghavan, has struggled in the corporation. Its best was 34 seats in 2010, but delimitation added new areas that shifted power. Since then, their seats have shrunk to 20 in 2015 and 17 in 2020. They see the 2025 election as a chance to break LDF’s grip. The BJP, holding seven seats now, aims to widen its presence by appealing to voters tired of both big parties. LDF highlights its work in waste management, welfare, and health. They boast Kozhikode's rise from rank 367 to 70 in the Swachh Survekshan cleanliness survey. Their ‘AZHAK’ hygiene program and welfare awards for senior citizens shine in their campaign. UDF focuses on the 2022 building number scam. They accuse the corporation of misusing employee data and allowing accused officials back on the job despite arrests. They also raise concerns of fake trade licenses and birth certificates involving middlemen. Candidates from all fronts are a mix of fresh faces and veterans, including business persons, retirees, government employees, and local leaders. This election’s mayoral post is unreserved, attracting many top contenders. CPI(M) deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed and KPCC general secretary P.M. Niyas are frontrunners. Congress faced a setback when its mayoral hopeful, filmmaker V.M. Vinu, was disqualified over missing electoral roll details. BJP campaigns as a practical alternative, promising efficient tax collection, clear tenders, and better local services. The stage is set for a closely fought battle in Kozhikode’s December 11 civic polls, with each party fighting hard for control.