New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed the BJP’s breakthrough victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, describing it as a defining milestone in Kerala’s political landscape and a clear signal that the electorate is looking beyond the traditional LDF–UDF binary.
In a message posted on social media, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of the state capital, stating that the mandate in Thiruvananthapuram reflected growing public confidence in the BJP-led NDA. He said the decisive performance of the alliance in the corporation elections marked a turning point in Kerala politics, indicating that voters were eager for a new development-oriented governance model.
Modi asserted that the people of Kerala were increasingly disillusioned with both the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, and were now placing their hopes in the NDA to deliver effective administration and long-term development. Emphasizing urban growth, he said the BJP would work towards transforming Thiruvananthapuram into a dynamic and vibrant city, aligned with the broader vision of a “Developed Kerala,” a phrase he highlighted through a hashtag accompanying his post.
The BJP’s performance in the state capital has been widely described as historic. The party has secured 50 out of 100 seats in the corporation, placing it just short of an absolute majority. Polling was not held in the Vizhinjam division following the death of a candidate, leaving the final majority mark dependent either on a BJP win in that ward or support from two independent councillors who emerged victorious.
The results also reflect a sharp decline for the ruling Left in the city, with the LDF winning 29 seats, while the UDF was limited to 19 seats, underscoring a significant shift in urban voter preferences.
Adding to the NDA’s momentum, former Director General of Police Sreelekha, widely seen as the BJP’s mayoral face, registered a strong personal victory, winning her seat with a margin of 708 votes. Her win has further strengthened the BJP’s claim to leadership in the corporation and added symbolic weight to the party’s rise in Kerala’s capital.
With the BJP now closer than ever to taking control of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the results have sparked fresh political debate across the state, positioning the NDA as an emerging force and setting the stage for intensified political competition in the months ahead.