LSG elections 2025: Women candidates, new wards and key battles in 3 crucial divisions in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Three major divisions in Thiruvananthapuram district — Kilimanoor, Kallambalam and Kizhuvilam — are heading into highly competitive contests this election cycle, with all three political fronts reshaping strategies, fielding new candidates and responding to shifting ward boundaries that have altered the electoral landscape.

Kilimanoor: LDF looks to reclaim, UDF seeks to retain, NDA eyes breakthrough

Once considered an LDF stronghold, Kilimanoor slipped from the Left’s grip in 2020 when Congress candidate G.G. Girikrishnan secured a notable 2,980-vote victory. This election, the LDF is attempting to recapture the division by fielding 21-year-old law student and SFI district leader Fathima Hisana, the youngest District Panchayat contender in the state.

The UDF is relying on Mahila Congress state secretary Deepa Anil, who is also a KPCC spokesperson and daughter of late Congress leader K. Thankappan Pillai. Her organisational experience and previous stint in local elections form the core of the UDF’s campaign strategy.

The NDA has nominated Vismaya V. Kumar, who has prior experience as Mahila Morcha constituency president and has left her private-sector job to contest. The restructured Kilimanoor division includes 45 wards from Panchayats across Pazhayakunnummel, Pulimath and Kilimanoor.

Kallambalam: New division prepares for maiden electoral fight

Kallambalam, a newly created and women-reserved division, is heading into its first District Panchayat election with all three political fronts locked in a competitive triangular fight.

The LDF has fielded V. Priyadarshini, the sitting District Panchayat member from Manamboor, known for her long tenure in CPI(M) organisational roles and work with missions including Suchitwa and Haritha Keralam.

UDF candidate Lisa Niza brings experience as former Pallickal Panchayat president and holds various Congress organisational posts. She is active in Kudumbashree and is a native of Thalavila.

The NDA is represented by Geetha, a Mahila Morcha district general secretary and public worker with a history of organisational involvement in the Attingal and Kilimanoor constituencies.

The Kallambalam division comprises 45 wards from Karavaram, Nagaroor, Navaikulam and Pulimath Panchayats.

Kizhuvilam: Long-time Left bastion faces shifts after ward reshuffle

The Kizhuvilam division, traditionally aligned with the Left for the past three decades, is witnessing heightened contest due to recent ward restructuring. The division includes 42 wards across Kizhuvilam, Mudakkal, Chirayinkeezhu and the Kadakkavoor Block.

The LDF has fielded seasoned public representative Anjuthengu Surendran, who has held multiple positions since 1995, including Panchayat Standing Committee roles. He currently serves in senior CPI(M) and CITU organisational posts.

The UDF is banking on Youth Congress leader Sajith Muttappalam, who serves as State Secretary and is also active in welfare initiatives such as the RCC ‘Snehapothi’ project. His leadership roles across Congress and Youth Congress form the backbone of the UDF campaign.

The NDA has nominated Anish Padmanabhan, BJP constituency general secretary and a member of the Kizhuvilam Gram Panchayat. Elected in 2020 from Pulimoodu ward, he has previously served as BJP Area and Mandal Secretary.