Fronts gear up for Assembly polls as EVM inspection begins in Kozhikode

As the first phase of inspection of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the upcoming Assembly elections began in Kozhikode on Saturday (January 3), both the Congress–led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) appears to have plunged into election mode, recalibrating their strategies in the aftermath of the recent local body polls.

Buoyed by its success in capturing the district panchayat, the Congress–Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) combine has initiated preliminary exercises to identify potential candidates for the district’s 13 Assembly segments. The Congress, which has been without a representative from Kozhikode in the State Assembly for the past 25 years, is hopeful of reversing its fortunes this time. Efforts are underway to shortlist candidates with organisational strength and electoral appeal. Meanwhile, aspirants have begun active lobbying to secure nominations in constituencies perceived as winnable.

Though the IUML has one MLA from the district representing the Koduvally constituency in the State Assembly, the party is also aiming to improve its performance, as well as planning to swap a few seats with the Congress to better its prospects. It is likely to field a mix of experienced leaders and younger faces.

​In the wake of the back-to-back setbacks it suffered in the Lok Sabha and the three-tier local body polls, the LDF is employing internal reviews, surveys, and the government’s public response to gauge anti-incumbency sentiments before fully shifting into Assembly election mode. Only after the feedback mechanisms are in place will the front strategise on fielding veterans or fresh candidates to tide over the current political climate. However, the CPI(M) has directed its local units to begin preparations for the Assembly polls, signalling an early start to organisational groundwork and door-to-door outreach programmes.

​Adding a new layer of electoral complexity is the BJP-led NDA, which has evolved from a marginal player into a three-way contender in at least some constituencies, such as Kozhikode North, Kozhikode South, Kunnamangalam, and Elathur. Incidentally, the BJP has doubled its strength in the 76-member Kozhikode Corporation to 13 seats and notably defeated the Congress’s mayoral candidate.

​Meanwhile, the first phase of inspection of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) to be used in the 2026 Assembly elections in the district commenced at the EVM and VVPAT warehouse at Chathamangalam. The process is under the supervision of District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, who is also the District Election Officer, with authorised engineers from Bharat Electronics Limited leading the inspection.