Thiruvananthapuram, June 28: The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) won 22 seats in by-elections to various panchayats and gram panchayats in Kerala. The results of bypolls to 44 seats in various local bodies were declared on Friday. The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress party, retained 17 seats, whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to bag five seats.

Previously, of the 44 seats that went to by-elections, the LDF had 23, UDF 17 and BJP 4. These 44 seats were spread over 13 districts of Kerala. Those who won the by-election will barely stay in office for a year. The fresh elections to local bodies will be held next year.

The by-elections were held in wards of different panchayats and gram panchayats for various reasons. They were held in many places following the death of the incumbent councillor or his/her disqualification.

The CPM-led LDF recently received its biggest setback when it lost 19 out of Kerala's 20 seats in 2019 Lok Sabha contest to Congress and allies.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2019 04:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).