Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced V.V. Rajesh, state secretary and former district president, as its candidate for Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. G.S. Asha Nath, a three-time councillor, has been named the party’s candidate for Deputy Mayor.

A prominent BJP leader in Thiruvananthapuram for the past two decades, Rajesh is set to enter the Corporation council for the second time. He was elected from Poojappura in the previous local body elections and secured victory this year fromKodunganoor. Over the years, he has held key positions in the ABVP, Yuva Morcha and the BJP.

The party had considered the names of R. Sreelalekha and V.V. Rajesh for the mayoral post until the final stages. However, Rajesh was ultimately selected after receiving the backing of the RSS.

Meanwhile, the BJP state leadership held discussions with R. Sreelalekha, who had been widely expected to be the mayoral candidate. State General Secretary S. Suresh and District President Karamana Jayen met with her following the announcement. There are indications that Sreelalekha may be fielded from a winnable constituency in Thiruvananthapuram in the forthcoming Assembly elections.