Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has made historic gains in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections, signalling a major shift in the political landscape of Kerala’s capital. As of Saturday, December 13, the NDA is leading in 50 of the 101 seats in the newly expanded corporation.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has ruled the corporation for 45 years, is ahead in 29 seats, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) leads in 19 seats. Two seats have been won by Independents. Polling in one ward at Vizhinjam was postponed following the death of a candidate.

BJP celebrates historic breakthrough

The BJP’s rise under state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar marks the party as the single largest political force in Thiruvananthapuram for the first time. Party workers celebrated reaching the halfway mark, raising expectations of a BJP mayor in the corporation.

Chandrasekhar said the result was a clear message to the Left. “Game over for the Left” in Kerala,” he said. “Our vision is ‘Viksithu Keralam’. The Kerala unit of the BJP is on a clear growth trajectory. Look at our performance across the State and our vote share. We had targeted a 25 per cent vote share, and we are confident of crossing at least 20 per cent.”

Asked about the mayoral post, he added, “Stay tuned.”

Dynamic electoral trends and record-low turnout

The Thiruvananthapuram polls recorded the lowest voter turnout in 15 years, at just 58.29 per cent, down from 59.96 per cent in 2020 and 62.9 per cent in 2015. Even during the COVID-19-affected polls in 2020, turnout hovered around 60 per cent.

Political analysts attribute the drop to voter disenchantment and campaign narratives focused more on controversies, such as the Sabarimala issue and the Rahul Mamkootathil case, rather than development projects. District-level turnout was comparatively higher at 67.47 per cent.

Triangular contest shapes the corporation elections

The civic polls saw a three-way contest between the LDF, the UDF, and the BJP. The LDF aimed to retain control of the corporation with a target of 55–60 seats, despite anticipating losses in some wards. The UDF sought to maintain its previous tally, while the BJP aimed to emerge as the principal opposition, projecting gains of 15–20 seats.

Sources had predicted the BJP could secure up to 50 seats, reflecting its growth from 11.06 per cent vote share in 2010 to 30.46 per cent in 2020.

Past trends highlight volatile political fortunes

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has seen sharp political swings. In 2020, the LDF won 51 wards, with the BJP taking 34 seats and the UDF slipping to 10. In 2015, the UDF’s tally fell from 40 to 21 wards. These results underline the volatility of electoral outcomes in Kerala’s capital.

Candidates and campaign issues

The LDF fielded a mix of experienced leaders and newcomers, while the BJP relied on sitting councillors and prominent personalities, including former DGP R. Sreelekha and athlete Padmini Thomas. The UDF focused on younger state-level leaders.

Campaign discussions centred on development, waste management, and smart road projects, though internal challenges and controversies, particularly within the BJP, added complexity. Rebel candidates and intense ward-level battles heightened suspense as counting continued.

Significance of the results

The BJP-led NDA has firmly established itself as the dominant force, while the LDF’s influence has declined sharply in the city. Chandrasekhar described the next political battle as being between the BJP and the Congress, signalling a realignment in Kerala politics.