The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is preparing for Kerala’s local body elections with mixed feelings. In 2020, the LDF won big, capturing five of six Corporations, 43 municipalities, 11 district panchayats, and hundreds of other local seats. This success helped it win a second term in 2021. The LDF credits its decade-long development and welfare work, including improved infrastructure and increased pensions, for its popularity. A.K. Balan, former CPI(M) central committee member, told The Hindu, “There is no anti-incumbency against the LDF even after a decade. The United Democratic Front, on the other hand, is a divided house now.” However, the LDF faces controversies. CPI(M) leader A. Padmakumar was arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The Enforcement Directorate issued a notice to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board’s masala bond. The party denies wrongdoing, calling these political moves by the BJP. Another issue is the rape allegations against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from Congress, which has shifted attention. Internal problems have surfaced too. Differences arose between CPI(M) and CPI over a federally funded school education scheme related to the National Education Policy. Some districts saw both parties running candidates against each other, though many conflicts were later resolved. LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan said, “Fielding rebels is common at local levels, but there are no serious issues at the State level.” The Kerala Congress (M) is contesting many wards, mainly in Central Kerala, putting strain on the CPI. Smaller parties like Kerala Congress (B) also gained ground, winning a seat in Thiruvananthapuram. Community groups NSS and SNDP, supporters of the government’s Global Ayyappa Sangamam, remain neutral despite Sabarimala controversies. This helps the LDF as it aims to regain lost Ezhava votes seen in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The LDF also targets the UDF’s alleged ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI, accusing them of posing similar dangers as the RSS. “The threat of Hindutva fascism, with measures like the Special Intensive Revision, is part of campaign issues,” Balan added. Overall, the LDF hopes to use these local body elections to push for a historic third consecutive term in power.