Thiruvananthapuram is gearing up for crucial local body elections seen as a preview to the 2026 Assembly elections. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) currently holds strong control over the district, from the Corporation to 10 of 11 block panchayats and most grama panchayats. But the political fight is fiercer than in 2020, especially in urban zones. The biggest contest is in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The LDF holds 54 of 101 wards but many wins were by narrow margins. To defend its stronghold, LDF fields a mix of young and experienced candidates. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is rising with key leaders like ex-MLA K.S. Sabarinadhan joining. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has high-profile names such as former police officer R. Sreelekha, but faces internal problems after two local leaders died by suicide, creating turmoil. In the district panchayat, LDF aims to keep its 2020 lead where it won 20 of 26 divisions. Opposition fronts try to challenge its hold, but LDF has won here consistently except once in 2010. Among municipalities, Nedumangad remains a Left stronghold for over 30 years. Other municipalities – Varkala, Attingal, and Neyyattinkara – are expected to see tight three-cornered fights due to BJP’s growth in 2020. In rural areas, LDF wants to maintain dominance in block and grama panchayats. UDF, which controls 18 grama panchayats, aims to pass 30 this time. NDA hopes to increase beyond their current two panchayats. These elections show a heated political battle shaping up in Thiruvananthapuram, with all fronts aiming for a strong start before the Assembly polls.