In a seismic shift in Kerala’s political landscape, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has solidified its grip on Thiruvananthapuram, transforming the state capital into its strongest bastion. The party’s historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections marks a turning point, snatching control from the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), which had dominated the civic body for over four decades.
Out of 101 seats, BJP clinched 50, with LDF securing 29 and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) managing 20. One independent later extended support to BJP, pushing its tally to 51 and ensuring a clear majority. This triumph isn’t just a local win; it’s the culmination of years of grassroots organizing that signals BJP’s rising prowess in Kerala politics.
Strategists now eye the district’s 14 assembly constituencies as the launchpad for the next state elections. BJP’s electoral margins have narrowed steadily: from one runner-up seat in 2011, to two in 2016, and four in 2021. Meanwhile, Congress has slumped from eight wins in 2011 to just one in 2021.
If local body voting patterns persist, BJP could convert its momentum into multiple assembly victories, especially poaching UDF strongholds. State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has declared his intent to contest from Nemom, the seat BJP won in 2016 and where he challenged Shashi Tharoor in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Other targets include Kazhakkoottam, Vattiyoorkavu, and Attingal, where BJP came second last time.
This corporation victory injects fresh vigor into the party, with leaders no longer content with mere entry into the assembly but aiming to dismantle the long-standing Left-Congress dominance in the capital district. Analysts view it as a harbinger of broader changes in Kerala’s deeply polarized politics.