BJP Breaks 40-Year LDF Hold as VV Rajesh is Elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram

In a landmark political shift that has redefined Kerala's urban governance landscape, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader VV Rajesh was elected as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation on Friday, marking the saffron party's inaugural control over a major municipal corporation in the state. The 49-year-old law graduate secured 51 votes in the council election, with two votes invalidated, effectively ending the Left Democratic Front's dominance that had persisted for over four decades in the capital city. This victory underscores the BJP's growing foothold in a region traditionally dominated by the LDF and UDF alliances.

The election followed the BJP emerging as the single largest party in the 100 contested wards of the 101-seat corporation, winning 50 seats and gaining crucial support from independent councillor Pattoor Radhakrishnan from Kannammoola ward to cross the majority threshold. The LDF secured 29 seats, while the Congress-led UDF managed 19, with polling in the Vizhinjam ward postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Rajesh, representing the Kodunganoor ward for his second term, was accompanied by GS Ashanath as the nominee for deputy mayor, highlighting the party's strategic selections for leadership roles.

The swearing-in ceremony drew hundreds of enthusiastic party workers to the corporation hall, creating an atmosphere of celebration amid the historic transition. Prominent figures in attendance included BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, former president K Surendran, and others, reflecting the significance of the occasion for the party's Kerala unit. Notably, even opposition leaders like CPM's Kadakampally Surendran were present, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended congratulations via phone, exemplifying a gesture of political courtesy.

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Rajesh's selection as mayor came after extensive internal deliberations, where he prevailed over former DGP R Sreelekha due to his extensive political experience and perceived acumen in navigating council dynamics without an absolute majority. Backed strongly by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Rajesh has pledged to transform Thiruvananthapuram into one of India's top three cities, emphasizing inclusive development and collaboration with opposition members. He also announced an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city within 45 days, signaling central support for local initiatives.

A state secretary of the BJP hailing from Karipur near Nedumangad, Rajesh brings a wealth of organizational experience, having previously served as district president. His family includes wife Nithya S Nair, a former IT professional, and two sons. Meanwhile, deputy mayor candidate GS Ashanath, from Karumam ward, achieved a third consecutive victory, building on her entry into politics following a 2017 bypoll. This breakthrough victory is anticipated to have broader implications for Kerala's political equations ahead of future elections.

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