THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, December 25, 2025:
In a landmark political development for Kerala’s capital, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday officially announced V.V. Rajesh as its candidate for the post of Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, with Asha Nath named as the party’s nominee for Deputy Mayor. The decision marks the BJP’s decisive move to consolidate its historic victory in the recent local body elections, effectively ending nearly four-and-a-half decades of Left Democratic Front (LDF) dominance in the civic body.
Decision After High-Level Consultations
The announcement followed a high-level meeting of the BJP’s state and district leadership held at the party’s District Committee office in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. BJP State General Secretary S. Suresh formally declared the names after what party leaders described as “extensive consultations and internal deliberations.”
Although there was considerable speculation over the possible candidature of retired DGP R. Sreelekha, the party ultimately opted for V.V. Rajesh, citing his long organisational experience, administrative familiarity with civic affairs, and deep roots within the BJP’s Kerala unit.
Candidate Profiles
V.V. Rajesh (Mayoral Candidate):
A senior and well-known leader of the BJP in Kerala, Rajesh has served as the party’s District President and State Secretary. He currently represents the Kodunganoor ward in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. His political career began in 1996, and he has also held the post of State President of the BJP Yuva Morcha, earning a reputation as a strong organiser and strategist.
Asha Nath (Deputy Mayor Candidate):
Asha Nath is a seasoned local body representative and is currently serving her third consecutive term as a councillor from the Kaimanam ward. Known for her involvement in grassroots development initiatives, she is considered an experienced and steady choice for the deputy mayoral role.
End of LDF’s Long Rule
The BJP’s decision comes in the wake of its historic performance in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections, where the party secured 50 seats in the 100-member council, excluding one ward where polling was postponed. The result marked a dramatic shift in the political landscape of the capital city, bringing an end to the LDF’s uninterrupted control of the corporation for nearly 45 years.
With the numbers firmly in its favour, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to comfortably establish its majority in the council, with additional support likely from an independent councillor.
Mayoral Election on December 26
The formal election to the posts of Mayor and Deputy Mayor is scheduled for Friday, December 26. Party sources said the leadership is confident of a smooth transition of power and has emphasised governance, urban development, and administrative efficiency as its immediate priorities for the capital city.
Political observers view the development as a watershed moment in Kerala’s civic politics, potentially reshaping the state’s urban political narrative in the years ahead.
