In a significant gesture underscoring the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) growing footprint in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a congratulatory letter to BJP leader VV Rajesh, the newly elected mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The letter, shared by Rajesh on social media, praises the BJP’s historic victory in the state’s capital as a signal of shifting political tides and outlines a vision for inclusive development in Kerala.
The BJP’s triumph in the Thiruvananthapuram civic polls marks a breakthrough for the party in a state traditionally dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF). Rajesh, a BJP district president, was elected mayor last week, ending decades of alternating rule by the LDF and UDF in the corporation. This win is seen as the party’s first major urban stronghold in Kerala, with Rajesh describing it as a “historic moment” for the state.
Talking about the historic win, PM Modi wrote, “Our vision to build a Vikasita Thiruvananthapuram has resonated with people across the city, from all sections of society. People have seen the work of our Government at the Centre and also our efforts towards urban development in different states, which is why they decided to bless us. I thank the people of this city for the warmth.”
In his letter, PM Modi emphasized the broader implications of the victory. “The success of Our Party in the capital of Kerala signals that the people of the state, especially the youngsters and women, are ready for a new dawn,” he wrote. The PM added, “The BJP-NDA is emerging as the people’s option, noted in nationalism without exclusion, development without corruption and governance without appeasement.” PM Modi also criticized the “fixed match” between the LDF and UDF, alleging they act as friends in Delhi while posing as rivals in Kerala, and predicted that Kerala is poised to “break free from their broken promises.”
This recognition is the New Year's gift given to Kerala by the Honorable Prime Minister. The political change in Thiruvananthapuram is the result of decades of hard work by BJP workers in Kerala. This recognition is the New Year's gift given to Kerala by Modiji pic.twitter.com/IetOr9WPbH
— VV RAJESH (@VVRAJESH_BJP) January 1, 2026
Calling the Thiruvananthapuram municipal election results ‘epoch making’, PM Modi said that this feat has brought immense happiness and pride to the party. He wrote that for decades, BJP workers in Kerala walked a path that is difficult.
He wrote, “The state’s politics has been dominated by the LDF and UDF, whose poor governance record is for everyone to see. In addition, these fronts have perpetuated a culture of corruption and brutal violence that is against the ethos of Kerala. Yet, despite adversity, hostility and brutal violence, our Karyakartas have stood firm. They raised people’s issues fearlessly, carried the party flag and the ideology of India First courageously. They spoke for the people’s aspirations even when speaking came at a cost. Many of them are not in our midst today, but I am sure their blessings are with you.”
Drawing inspiration from Kerala’s social reformers, the Prime Minister urged Rajesh to prioritize service to the poor and marginalized. He referenced Sree Narayana Guru’s philosophy of selfless service, Mahatma Ayyankali’s focus on the underprivileged, and Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan’s emphasis on empowering women and alleviating suffering. “I am sure you and your team will take inspiration from these noble principles and serve the city to the best of your abilities, furthering ‘Ease of Living’ for the people,” Modi added, wishing the new administration success in delivering “good governance with humility, compassion and decisiveness.”
VV Rajesh, sharing the letter on X (formerly Twitter), called it a “New Year’s gift” from the Prime Minister to Kerala. “The political change in Thiruvananthapuram is the result of decades of hard work by BJP workers in Kerala,” he posted, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
While the BJP won Thiruvananthapuram, the UDF emerged as the winner in most other bodies, and the LDF suffered a massive setback in the recently concluded urban body polls in Kerala. NDA also won Tripunithura and Palakkad municipalities.
