Kothamangalam municipality in Ernakulam district is gearing up for a keen election battle. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) wants to keep control after winning in 2020, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) hopes to take back power. The BJP-led NDA remains a minor player but aims to grow. In LDF, CPI(M) contests 24 seats, CPI five, and Kerala Congress (Mani) four seats. UDF fields Congress in 23 seats, Kerala Congress (Joseph) six, Kerala Congress (Jacob) two, IUML one, and an independent supported by Congress in one seat. K.A. Roy, CPI(M) area committee secretary, says, "There is strong public acceptance of our good governance over the past five years. We have implemented several development projects, including the near completion of a modern crematorium, a long-standing demand since the formation of the municipality, which will be opened within a couple of months. We also established a She Lodge and modernised the market. Projects worth Rs. 7 crore have been proposed for the municipality under the Navakerala Sadas, with technical sanction already received for a town hall." With two new wards, the municipality has 33 seats. LDF sees Kothamangalam town as its stronghold and wants to grow influence in suburban wards. UDF admits its 2020 loss was due to internal conflicts. This time, the chairperson’s post is reserved for women, which some see as helpful. However, former Congress chairperson Manju Siju is contesting as an Independent. Babu Elias, Congress block president, says, "We are confident of returning to power this time. Kothamangalam has witnessed no development over the past five years. With the chairperson facing health issues, the municipality was run by proxies, one of whom faced criminal charges and was subsequently expelled by the CPI(M). If we can quell the rebels, the UDF can win up to 23 seats." The BJP, yet to win here, is hopeful. Sindhu Praveen, BJP’s Kothamangalam mandalam president, states, "Candidates who previously contested on Congress and CPI(M) tickets are now approaching us, and we have fielded many of them." The contest promises an exciting outcome in the eastern suburbs of Ernakulam.