BJP Wins First Mayoral Post in Kerala, Breaks LDF Stronghold
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Thiruvananthapuram
- Dec 26, 2025
- 865
In a historic political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured its first-ever mayoral post in Kerala. BJP candidate V.V. Rajesh was elected Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation on Friday, marking a significant shift in the state’s local governance landscape.
Rajesh secured 51 votes in the mayoral election, including the support of an independent councillor. His nearest rival, P. Shivaji of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), garnered 29 votes, while Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate K.S. Sabarinathan received 19 votes, two of which were later declared invalid.
The results of the 101 wards of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation were declared on December 9. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 50 wards, ending the LDF’s 45-year-long dominance in the civic body. The LDF won 29 wards, while the UDF secured 19. Thiruvananthapuram is also the parliamentary constituency of senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Local body elections in Kerala were held in two phases on December 9 and 11, covering 1,199 institutions, including six municipal corporations, 86 municipalities, 14 district panchayats, 152 block panchayats, and 941 village panchayats.
Of the six municipal corporations in the state, the UDF won four, while the LDF and BJP secured one each. In Kollam Corporation, UDF’s A.K. Hafeez was elected Mayor, while Kochi Corporation elected four-time UDF councillor V.K. Minimol. Dr. Niji Justin of the UDF became Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, though controversy erupted after councillor Lali James alleged that party leaders accepted bribes but denied her the mayoral post.
In Kozhikode Corporation, the LDF won the majority of wards, while in Kannur Corporation, UDF candidate P. Indira is set to become Mayor.
Meanwhile, in Pala Municipality, 21-year-old Diya Binu Pulikkandam was elected chairperson with UDF support, becoming the youngest municipal chairperson in Kerala’s history.
Following the election results, speculation arose over former IPS officer Sreelekha being considered for the Thiruvananthapuram mayoral post. However, the BJP ultimately confirmed V.V. Rajesh as its choice. Sreelekha, Kerala’s first woman IPS officer and former Director General of Police, joined the BJP in 2024 after retiring from service in 2020. Known for her anti-corruption stance and fearless investigations during her tenure with the CBI, she earned the nickname “Red Sreelekha.”