Is V. V. Rajesh Making History as BJP's First Mayor in Kerala?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
V. V. Rajesh's election as the first BJP Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram has transformed Kerala's political fabric. This landmark event signifies a shift towards BJP's growing influence in urban politics, following historic wins in local elections. With support from independent councillors, Rajesh's victory marks a new era for the party in the state.
Key Takeaways
- V. V. Rajesh is the first BJP Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram.
- The BJP secured a historic win in local body elections.
- Rajesh's election signifies a shift in Kerala's political landscape.
- Support from independent councillors was crucial for his victory.
- BJP's influence is expanding in urban areas of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 26 (NationPress) Forty-nine-year-old V. V. Rajesh has made his mark in history by becoming the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take on the role of Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, representing a pivotal shift in Kerala's political dynamics.
Rajesh's victory came with a total of 51 votes, while the Left candidate from CPI(M), R.P. Shivaji, secured 29 votes, and the Congress-led UDF and former legislator K.S. Sabarinathan garnered 19 votes. One independent councillor chose to abstain from the voting.
Rajesh joins a select group of BJP pioneers in Kerala, following O. Rajagopal, who was the party's first MLA in 2016, and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, who became BJP's inaugural Lok Sabha MP from the state in 2024.
This milestone signifies a fresh chapter in the BJP's venture into Kerala's urban political scene.
The breakthrough was achieved late Thursday when the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) received support from independent councillor P. Radhakrishnan, elevating its count from 50 to 51 in the 101-member corporation, ensuring Rajesh's victory.
The NDA's rise to become the largest bloc is unprecedented.
In the local body elections held on December 9, the BJP surprised many by winning 50 out of 100 wards, breaking the CPI(M)'s nearly 45-year stronghold on the civic body of the state capital.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) saw its seats reduced to 29, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) managed 19 seats. Two wards were claimed by independents, and polling in one ward was postponed due to a candidate's death.
During a meeting of the newly elected councillors at the BJP office on Thursday, party general secretary S. Suresh declared Rajesh as the mayoral candidate and announced Asha Nath as the nominee for Deputy Mayor.
Asha Nath, a seasoned councillor with three terms under her belt, was introduced as the party's Deputy Mayor candidate.
Rajesh's ascent follows a series of intense discussions within the BJP, with State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar making two trips to New Delhi for consultations, underscoring the involvement of the national leadership.
The party was reportedly split between Rajesh and former Director General of Police R. Sreelekha, but consensus ultimately favored Rajesh, with strong backing from the RSS.
Among those present to congratulate the new Mayor were Union Minister Suresh Gopi, State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, his predecessors K. Surendran, Kummanam Rajasekharan, former MoS V. Muraleedharan, and many others.
“This victory should have happened earlier. Now that we are here, we expect gradual changes across the state,” remarked Gopi.
Earlier that day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached out to congratulate Rajesh.
BJP supporters celebrated enthusiastically, with loud slogans and firecrackers marking their victory as soon as the results were announced.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of V. V. Rajesh's election as the first BJP Mayor in Thiruvananthapuram. This development not only reshapes local governance but also reflects the evolving political landscape in Kerala. The BJP's increasing foothold in urban areas signifies a potential shift in voter sentiment, underscoring the need for ongoing analysis and coverage of this significant political evolution.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is V. V. Rajesh?
V. V. Rajesh is a 49-year-old politician who has recently become the first BJP Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
What does Rajesh's election signify?
Rajesh's election marks a pivotal moment in Kerala's political landscape, indicating the BJP's growing influence in urban politics.
How many votes did Rajesh receive?
Rajesh secured a total of 51 votes in the mayoral election.
What was the historical context of the elections?
The BJP won 50 out of 100 wards in the recent local body elections, ending CPI(M)'s nearly 45-year dominance.
Who supported Rajesh in the election?
Rajesh received crucial support from independent councillor P. Radhakrishnan, allowing the NDA to reach the majority mark.
