Kochi, Dec 16 (UNI) The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which has been under scrutiny over its alleged links to the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), registered notable gains in Kerala’s recent local body elections, winning 102 seats across the state.
According to SDPI State president C P A Latheef, the party secured seats in two municipal corporations, one block panchayat, eight municipalities, and 91 grama panchayats.
He described the performance as “strong,” achieved despite what he termed sustained administrative pressure and political targeting, positioning SDPI as the largest force outside Kerala’s two main political fronts.
Latheef said SDPI opened its account in the Kannur Corporation, the municipalities of Thalassery and Ponnani, and 19 grama panchayats.
SDPI candidates also finished second in 277 wards, with losses in over 50 wards by narrow margins. The party is expected to play a decisive role in forming administrations in 16 panchayats.
Alleging political collusion, Latheef claimed that both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) had tacitly cooperated with the BJP to defeat SDPI.
He further alleged that the Muslim League sought BJP support in several areas, calling it a “dangerous signal” for secular Kerala.
According to him, the elections reflected a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Left government, driven by what he termed “soft Hindutva positions,” the Sabarimala gold controversy, and the burden of increased taxation.
He also criticised the Congress leadership, saying it had lost public credibility, and argued that the prevailing political climate indicated a growing demand for a new alternative.
Meanwhile, SDPI continues to face political and security scrutiny over allegations that it functioned as the political front of PFI, which was banned in September 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Investigating agencies have cited overlapping leadership, cadre base and organisational patterns between the two in several states, allegations highlighted during nationwide enforcement actions against PFI in 2022.
The BJP and other parties have repeatedly accused SDPI of ideological alignment with radical Islamist objectives and of attempting to polarise voters, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka.
SDPI has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that it is an independent political party registered with the Election Commission of India and that it operates within the constitutional framework.
Despite the controversy, SDPI remains legally active and continues to contest elections, asserting that the latest results reflect its expanding grassroots support.
SDPI secures 102 local body seats in Kerala amid PFI-link allegations
