The BJP’s breakthrough in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has redrawn Kerala’s local politics. For the first time, the party-led NDA has emerged as the single largest force in the State capital’s civic body. Yet, even after this landmark result, the BJP faces a complex task: choosing its mayor and deputy mayor while navigating a council where numbers are tight and support is not assured.

A historic result, but not a clear majority

The BJP-led NDA has won 50 seats in the expanded 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, stopping just one short of the majority mark of 51. The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front secured 29 seats, the Congress-led United Democratic Front 19, and two seats went to Independents. Polling in one ward at Vizhinjam was postponed following the death of a candidate.

The outcome marks a sharp shift in a city long seen as a Left stronghold. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the result as a turning point in Kerala’s politics, saying it reflected growing public faith in the BJP’s development vision and governance model. The State BJP unit has been celebrating what it sees as a long-awaited civic breakthrough.

Independents hold the balance

Despite topping the tally, the BJP does not yet control the council. The two Independent councillors—elected from Kannammoola and Poundkadavu—have suddenly become crucial. Without their backing, or without Opposition walkouts, passing resolutions and clearing key projects could be difficult.

One Independent, M. Radhakrishnan of Kannammoola, has met CPM leaders but has indicated that any decision will be taken after consulting people in his ward. Such Independents often negotiate for influential positions, including the mayoralty or key standing committee posts, in return for support. This uncertainty keeps the BJP’s immediate governance plans on edge.

The mayor’s chair: Rajesh or Sreelekha?

Inside the BJP, discussions are intense over who should become Kerala’s first-ever BJP mayor. Two names dominate: senior councillor and former district president V V Rajesh, and R Sreelekha, former Director General of Police, who won from Sasthamangalam.

Rajesh’s supporters point to his long experience in the corporation and organisational skills. Those favouring Sreelekha argue that appointing Kerala’s first woman IPS officer as mayor would give the party strong political mileage and help project a distinct style of governance.

The deputy mayor puzzle

The choice is complicated by reservation rules. The deputy mayor’s post is reserved for a woman. If Sreelekha becomes mayor, Rajesh cannot be accommodated in either top post, prompting internal debate. Party circles suggest that, in such a case, Rajesh could be offered a ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections.

If Sreelekha is chosen as mayor, senior councillor Manju G S—who has won three terms—could become deputy mayor. If Rajesh is made mayor, Sreelekha is likely to be named deputy mayor and projected as a future Assembly candidate.

For now, both leaders have kept silent, leaving the final call to the party leadership. As Thiruvananthapuram watches closely, the BJP’s real test lies not just in winning—but in governing smoothly despite the numbers.