BJP Makes History: VV Rajesh Sworn In as Thiruvananthapuram Mayor

In a landmark shift for Kerala politics, VV Rajesh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation on Friday, December 26, 2025. This marks the first time the BJP has ever captured power in a municipal corporation in the state, ending over four decades of dominance by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Key Election Details

• Historic Victory: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 50 seats in the 101-member council during the local body elections held on December 9, 2025.
• The Voting Process: VV Rajesh secured 51 votes in the mayoral election, receiving the support of 50 BJP councillors and one independent member.
• Opposing Candidates: * RP Shivaji (LDF): Received 29 votes.
  • KS Sabarinathan (UDF): Received 17 votes (two Congress votes were reportedly declared invalid).
• Leadership Team: Three-time councillor Asha Nath G.S. (Karumom ward) was elected as the Deputy Mayor.

Profile of VV Rajesh

VV Rajesh is a seasoned leader within the BJP Kerala unit and a lawyer by profession with over 25 years in active politics. Before becoming Mayor, he served as:

• The BJP Thiruvananthapuram District President.
• The State President of the Yuva Morcha (BJP youth wing).
• The State Secretary of the party.

His selection for the mayoral post followed significant internal deliberation, as the party had also considered former DGP R. Sreelekha for the role before settling on Rajesh due to his long-standing organizational experience.

“The mandate the BJP-NDA got in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a watershed moment in Kerala’s politics.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X (formerly Twitter).

Final Tally of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation (2025)

Total Seats: 101