Kerala: BJP’s VV Rajesh sworn in as the new Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, marks end of 45-year CPM rule over civic body

BJP's VV Rajesh sworn in as Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, images via ANI

BJP’s VV Rajesh has been sworn in as the new Mayor of Thiruvananthapuramm marking a milestone for the party in Kerala.

“We will move forward together, taking everyone along. Development will be implemented in all 101 wards… Thiruvananthapuram will be transformed into a developed city”, Rajesh stated after the ceremony.

With the assembly elections in Kerala just six months away, BJP’s win is a boost for the party, as it has struggled to find footings in the state. BJP has so far won only one MLA seat in Kerala, when O Rajagopal won the Nemom seat in 2016.

In the 2024 general elections, Suresh Gopi won the first-ever MP seat for the party, winning the same Thrissur seat.

VV Rajesh won 51 votes in the polls held on the morning of Friday, December 26, just past the halfway mark in the 100 member body. CPIM’s RP Shivaji got 29 and the Congress-led UDF’s KS Sabarinathan 19 votes.

In the Municipal Corporation elections in Thiruvananthapuram held on December 9, BJP had won 50 seats, marking its best-ever performance.

Rajesh’s win has marked the end of a 45-year rule of the CPM in the Thiruvananthapuram civic body. Rajesh is the BJP State Secretary and the ward councillor of Kodunganoor.

Written by OpIndia Staff
Last modified at