Kochi: Decimated by Twenty20 in previous polls, rival fronts, LDF & UDF, may go on a stealth mode to hit where it hurts the most. Both fronts publicly deny any alliance. Candidate selection patterns, ward-level tactics, and insider accounts strongly suggest an ‘unofficial understanding’ between the LDF and UDF to put up a united front against Twenty20 in Kizhakkambalam, where it first rose to power in 2015.

This is to prevent a repeat of the 2020 scenario, where a three-way contest fragmented votes and helped Twenty20 consolidate its rule. Twenty20 plans to expand its footprint in the local body polls by fielding candidates in the Kochi Corporation, five municipalities and nearly 60 panchayats. A runaway win in Kizhakkambalam had catapulted Twenty20 into political glory in 2015.

According to insiders aware of ward-level planning, both fronts have approached candidate selection in a manner that reportedly benefits each other in specific wards. It is learnt that both fronts field only very few candidates under the party symbols and prefer independent candidates in most wards.

Sources said that out of the total 21 wards, the UDF plans to back around 16 independent candidates, with the remaining candidates being fielded under party symbols. The LDF, meanwhile, has reportedly opted to field 20 independents, with not a single candidate contesting on the CPM or CPI symbol this time.

In the remaining one ward - Choorakode West - LDF leaders are learnt to have decided against fielding a candidate altogether and are informally supporting an independent backed by the UDF.

A senior Congress leader justified the love for independents, saying that many residents opposed to Twenty20 were reluctant to vote for party candidates and preferred independents. "Residents’ associations and even religious groups have conveyed this sentiment. So, we are fielding more independents this time to widen our acceptance,” he said, without confirming whether there was coordination with the LDF.

According to LDF insiders, the strategy is designed to ensure that the anti-Twenty20 vote does not split. A senior CPM leader said the election climate in Kizhakkambalam had effectively narrowed into a “pro-Twenty20 versus anti-Twenty20” narrative. “There is strong anti-incumbency, and a substantial section wants change. If both fronts fight aggressively in all wards with official candidates, Twenty20 will benefit from the division of votes. We don’t want a repeat of 2020,” the leader said.

Sources said the LDF is deliberately scaling down its efforts in around nine wards where it performed poorly in the 2020 polls, such as Thamarachal, Kunnathukudi, Kizhakkambalam and Poyakkunnam, where they gathered fewer than 50 votes each, while allowing the UDF, which fared better in these wards, a stronger foothold.

“Similarly, in wards like Malayidamthuruth, Makkinikkara, Ambunad, and Kummanod, where the LDF had recorded strong margins in 2020, the UDF may be fielding weaker candidates to avoid splitting votes,” said a CPM leader. Sources on both fronts added that in many such wards, independents are being fielded merely as placeholders to avoid triggering controversy over a formal alliance.

“Why waste money, time and energy in wards where we received barely a few dozen votes last time? We know where each front is strong, and decisions are being taken accordingly. The coordination is silent, but sensible, given the urgency many voters feel to unseat Twenty20,” said an LDF leader.
Meanwhile, Twenty20 coordinator Sabu M Jacob said none of this surprised him.

“It was always expected that the LDF and UDF would fight Twenty20 together. In many wards, they are not even fielding official party candidates. All their parties appear united, desperately trying to beat us,” Jacob said.

He added that Twenty20 remains confident of retaining power with a large mandate, stating that residents have consistently endorsed the party’s development-driven and corruption-free governance model. “People want us to win. We hope to gather 60% votes in all wards,” Jacob said.

Twenty20 began as the CSR initiative of Kitex Group in 2013 and entered politics in 2014, reportedly after repeated administrative obstacles hampered its development work. In the 2015 local body polls, it stunned traditional parties by winning 17 of 19 seats in Kizhakkambalam, later strengthening its tally to 18 in 2020 and expanding its rule to Aikkaranadu, Kunnathunad and Mazhuvannoor panchayats.

With the party now aiming to scale up its model across Kerala, the polls in Kizhakkambalam panchayat are seen as a crucial test of its political endurance. While both the LDF and UDF continue to deny any understanding, the pattern of nominations and the strategic silence around it suggest otherwise, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched local body battles in the state.