Thiruvananthapuram: BJP leader VV Rajesh has been elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, bringing an end to the LDF’s decades-long dominance in the state capital.

The BJP secured control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 50 seats, breaking a Left stronghold that had lasted for four decades. The Congress-led UDF also made significant gains by doubling its seat tally.

In the three-cornered contest, Thiruvananthapuram ultimately swung in favour of the BJP

Rajesh received support from all 50 BJP councillors, along with one independent member. UDF candidate K.S. Sabarinadhan secured 17 votes, while LDF mayoral candidate RP Shivaji got 29 votes.

Rajesh’s nomination was proposed by MR Gopan, while VG Girikumar withdrew his candidature. Two Congress votes were declared invalid due to a signing error. The invalid votes belonged to KR Cletus, the senior-most member of the council, and Lathika. The total valid votes counted were 97.

Meanwhile, the CPM raised objections, claiming that around 20 members breached protocol. A formal complaint regarding the issue has been submitted.

Statewide elections for mayor, deputy mayor, municipal chairperson, and vice-chairperson posts in corporations and municipalities commenced on Friday. Voting for mayor and chairperson positions began at 10 am, while deputy mayor and vice-chairperson elections were held between 1 pm and 2:30 pm Panchayat chairperson elections are scheduled for another day.