All about the local body elections.

The Analysis!

What worked for the LDF?

* Better selection of candidates * Alliance with Jose K Mani, the Kerala Congress (Mani), helped, mainly in Kottayam and also in Idukki and Pathanamthitta * Free food kits were a hit with the people * Could convince the voters about the "communal pampering" by the UDF, especially the latter's tie up with Jamaat-e-Islami-backed Welfare Party * The strategy to field a large number of candidates as independents, who contested without the party symbol.

And what didn't for the UDF?

* Relentless campaign on LDF's "gold smuggling scandal and corruption" * Candidate selection especially going with old and familiar faces * Lack of unity among top Congress leaders on various issues which sent confusing signals to the electorate * Tie up with Welfare Party sent out a wrong message.

And what about BJP?

* Constant bickering and disunity among top leaders * Inability to present itself as a credible, winnable alternative and turn support base into votes * Failed to capitalise on investigation against the Chief Minister's Office. If any, it helped the CM and the government earn sympathy * Sabarimala is no longer an election issue.

It, definitely, has given a shot in the arm for the CPM and a dose of confidence to the beleagured chief minister!

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Some more election snippets.

(a) Elated by its win in four grama panchayats after defeating both LDF and UDF, Kitex-backed Twenty20 has announced its decision to contest the upcoming Assembly polls in a big way.

(b) LDF's Abdul Rashid who contested against Karat Faisal got zero vote in Koduvally Municipality. CPM withdrew support for Faisal after he was questioned by the Customs.

(c) LDF loses Pullur-Periya panchayat where two Youth Congress workers - Kripesh and Sarath Lal - were hacked to death in Feb '19.

(d) 24 years since it last ruled, the LDF wrests Puthuppally panchayat, also comprising former CM Oommen Chandy's Ward from the UDF. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

To the courier, nearby, to collect some important papers just before lunchtime. Fresh fruits were delivered after an order was placed over the telephone.