Thiruvananthapuram: In a landmark political development, BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh was elected Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Friday, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s first-ever victory in a municipal corporation in Kerala.
Rajesh secured 51 votes in the 101-member council, receiving the backing of 50 BJP councillors and one Independent member. The UDF mayoral candidate, KS Sabarinathan, polled 17 votes, while the LDF’s nominee, RP Shivaji, secured 29 votes. Two votes cast in favour of the UDF were later declared invalid.
Senior BJP leaders, including state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Union minister V Muraleedharan, and former state president K Surendran, were present at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office to witness the historic election. Following the declaration of results, Rajesh was sworn in as Mayor of the state capital.
End of Four-Decade LDF Rule
The BJP’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram assumes particular significance as the party wrested control of the corporation after nearly four decades of uninterrupted rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). It also marks the first time the BJP has gained control of any municipal corporation in Kerala, signalling a major shift in the state’s urban political landscape.
Rajesh’s Vision for the Capital
Speaking after his election, Rajesh pledged inclusive governance and equitable development across the city.
“We will move forward together, taking everyone along. Development programmes will be implemented in all 101 wards, ensuring equal treatment. Thiruvananthapuram will be transformed into one of the country’s developed cities,” he said.
Calling the moment historic, Rajesh suggested the outcome could have wider political implications for Kerala.
“This is a historic moment. I believe this change in Thiruvananthapuram will alter the political situation of Kerala as a whole,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the BJP had officially announced Rajesh as its mayoral candidate, while GS Asha Nath, councillor from Karumam ward, was named the party’s deputy mayor candidate.
Mixed Results Across Kerala
Results from other municipal corporations reflected a mixed outcome for political fronts across the state. In Kollam Corporation, the UDF’s AK Hafeez was elected mayor, while in Kochi Corporation, VK Minimol, a four-time UDF councillor, secured the mayoral post.
In Thrissur Corporation, Dr Niji Justin of the UDF was elected mayor, though controversy emerged after councillor Lali James alleged she was denied the position following internal disagreements and accusations of bribery.
The LDF emerged dominant in Kozhikode Corporation, winning a majority of wards, while in Kannur Corporation, UDF candidate P Indira is set to assume the mayoral office.
Of the six municipal corporations in Kerala, the UDF won four, while the LDF and BJP secured one each.
Youngest Municipal Chairperson Elected
Another milestone was recorded in Pala municipality, where 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkankandam was elected chairperson with UDF support, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in Kerala.
Diya, along with her father Binu and uncle Biju, had contested and won as Independents before extending support to the UDF, bringing an end to the Kerala Congress (Mani)’s long-standing dominance in the region.
Apart from Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP also gained control of municipalities in Thrippunithura and Palakkad, underlining the party’s growing footprint in Kerala’s local body politics.
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