KOCHI: Counting of votes for 1,199 local bodies in Kerala began at 8 am on Saturday, with postal ballots counted first, followed by EVM votes. The State Election Commission (SEC) reported initial trends showing the ruling LDF, the opposition UDF, and the NDA leading in various gram panchayat, block panchayat, municipality, and corporation wards. Counting is underway at 244 centres and 14 district collectorates. Live Updates:

Some issues were reported at a few centres, including Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Vadakara, over entry of booth agents and candidates. The results are seen as an important indicator ahead of the 2026 Kerala assembly elections, shaping the future campaigning strategies of political parties and fronts in the state. The oath-taking ceremonies for elected

See Full Page