Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling Left-led coalition in Kerala on Wednesday scooped up a big win in local body polls seen by all parties as a litmus test ahead of assembly elections in the state next year. “This is the message of people who love Kerala to those who are trying to destroy it,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) is leading in 520 of 945 grama panchayats and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in 371. The LDF is also winning 10 of 14 district panchayats — compared to the seven it won in 2015– and 108 of 152 block panchayats, according to the state election commission figures.

The UDF has won majority in Kannur. In Thrissur and Kochi corporations, however, UDF and LDF have a close call, with independents likely to decide their fate. “Our performance is good. People were expecting a bigger victory because of the government’s corruption. But one thing is clear – local body elections not always depend upon political factors.

Voting took place in three rounds earlier this month for seats in 941-gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 86 municipalities and six corporations. Final declarations of results are still awaited.