Thiruvananthapuram: In a seismic shift that has electrified Kerala’s political landscape, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stormed to victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, wresting control from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) after four decades of unchallenged reign.
This saffron surge comes amid the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF)’s sweeping dominance in the 2025 local body elections, underscoring a vibrant democratic pulse in the southern state.
As counting concluded late on Friday, the UDF clinched four of Kerala’s five municipal corporations, leaving one each for the LDF and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
In municipal councils, the UDF bagged 54 seats, the LDF 28, and the NDA a solitary win. District panchayats saw a balanced tie, with seven apiece for UDF and LDF.
Compared to 2020, these results signal a robust anti-incumbency wave, fortifying UDF’s position ahead of next year’s Assembly polls.
At the heart of the drama is Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, whose home turf witnessed this unexpected twist.
In a poised X post, the veteran Congressman hailed the UDF’s “resounding” triumph as a “clear mandate reflecting Kerala’s democratic spirit.” He credited hard graft, a compelling message, and voter discontent with prolonged LDF “misgovernance” for outperforming past benchmarks.
Yet, in a masterclass in bipartisanship, Tharoor extended “humble congratulations” to the BJP for their “historic performance.” “This marks a notable shift in the capital’s political canvas,” he noted, acknowledging how voters, despite his campaign for change, rewarded an alternative force. “That’s the beauty of democracy — honouring the people’s verdict, be it for UDF elsewhere or BJP here.”
Tharoor vowed unwavering advocacy for Kerala’s betterment, upholding good governance amid this “powerful signal” for the future. As the dust settles, these polls paint a tableau of fluidity: UDF ascendant, LDF resilient, and BJP’s breakthrough a clarion call. Kerala’s electorate, ever discerning, has scripted a chapter of hope and recalibration.