In a landmark political development, BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh won the mayoral election of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Friday. As a result, the Bharatiya Janata Party secured its first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala.
Rajesh won the election with 51 votes in the 101-member corporation. He received support from 50 BJP councillors and one Independent member.
Vote split among political fronts
Meanwhile, the United Democratic Front candidate KS Sabarinathan secured 17 votes. At the same time, the Left Democratic Front candidate RP Shivaji received 29 votes.
However, election officials later declared two votes cast in favour of the UDF invalid.
Senior BJP leaders attend the event
Soon after, senior BJP leaders gathered at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office to witness the historic moment. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Union minister V Muraleedharan, and former state president K Surendran were present during the announcement.
Following the declaration of results, VV Rajesh took the oath as Mayor of Kerala’s capital city.
BJP ends decades-long LDF rule
Importantly, this victory holds major political significance. The BJP wrested control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation after nearly four decades of uninterrupted rule by the Left Democratic Front.
Moreover, this win marked the first time the BJP gained control of any municipal corporation in Kerala.
Rajesh promises inclusive development
After assuming office, Rajesh said his administration would focus on inclusive growth across the city.
“We will move forward together, taking everyone along. Development programs will be implemented in all 101 wards, ensuring equal treatment. Thiruvananthapuram will be transformed into a developed city of the country," he said.
‘Historic moment’ with wider impact
Additionally, Rajesh said the result could reshape Kerala’s political future.
“This is a historic moment, and I think this moment will change the political situation of Kerala. I think that the political change of Thiruvananthapuram will change the entire political situation in Kerala," he added.
BJP announces mayoral team earlier
Earlier in the day, the BJP formally announced Rajesh as its mayoral candidate. At the same time, the party named Karumam ward councillor GS Asha Nath as its deputy mayor candidate.
Mixed results across Kerala corporations
Meanwhile, results from other municipal corporations showed a mixed outcome for political alliances.
In Kollam Corporation, UDF candidate AK Hafeez won the mayoral post. Similarly, in Kochi Corporation, UDF councillor VK Minimol, a four-time councillor, secured victory.
In Thrissur Corporation, Dr Niji Justin of the UDF became mayor. However, controversy emerged when councillor Lali James alleged she was denied the post after party leaders accepted bribes.
UDF leads overall, BJP gains ground
Elsewhere, the LDF won a majority of wards in Kozhikode Corporation. In Kannur Corporation, UDF candidate P Indira is set to become mayor.
Overall, out of six municipal corporations in Kerala, the UDF won four, while the LDF and BJP won one each.
Youngest municipal chairperson elected in Pala
In another notable development, 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkankandam won the chairperson post in Pala municipality with UDF support. Consequently, she became the youngest municipal chairperson in Kerala.
Diya contested as an Independent along with her father Binu and uncle Biju. After winning, they extended support to the UDF, thereby ending the Kerala Congress (Mani)’s long rule in its traditional stronghold.
BJP expands presence in local bodies
Finally, apart from Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP also secured control of municipalities in Thrippunithura and Palakkad, further strengthening its footprint in Kerala’s local governance.