Kottayam is entering the final days of its local body election campaign. The main focus is the heated battle between two rival Kerala Congress factions. These factions have deep roots in the region's politics and continue to influence election results strongly. The Joseph faction, part of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is contesting seven of the 23 district panchayat divisions. The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by CPI(M), has teamed up with KC(M) under Jose K. Mani and is contesting nine divisions, setting up direct clashes in five. The LDF currently governs 50 out of 71 grama panchayats and aims to keep Kottayam as a key red zone. Their plan includes sharing seats with KC(M) and pushing into UDF areas. For the UDF, Kottayam is vital for making a political comeback. They have prepared well by appointing a Catholic leader for Kerala Congress and smoothing relations with allies. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, is trying to expand in Catholic-majority areas. They have introduced young Catholic candidates and are active in plantation belts, building on their recent merger with P.C. George’s Janapaksham. Currently, LDF rules 50 grama panchayats, UDF controls 18, and NDA holds 3. Among municipalities, UDF leads four while LDF has two. In block panchayats, LDF controls 10 out of 11. The district panchayat remains under the Left alliance. This intense election will decide who controls Kottayam's political future.