Wed Dec 24 14:46:19 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:

Summary:

The article reports on the political maneuvering in Thiruvananthapuram, India, leading up to the mayoral election. Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) having the most seats in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, they lack a majority, creating uncertainty around their mayoral candidate. The United Democratic Front (UDF) has nominated K.S. Sabarinadhan for Mayor and Mary Pushpam for Deputy Mayor, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) has nominated R.P. Sivaji. The BJP has yet to announce their candidate with the election in days. Independent candidates’ decisions could determine the outcome.

News Article:

Thiruvananthapuram Mayoral Race Heats Up as BJP Remains Silent on Candidate

Thiruvananthapuram – The political landscape in Thiruvananthapuram is buzzing as the city prepares for its mayoral election on Friday. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a historic victory in the recent local body elections, securing the most seats in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, they fell short of a majority, leaving the party scrambling to secure the mayor’s seat.

Despite holding internal meetings, the BJP has yet to announce its mayoral candidate, just two days before the vote. Potential contenders include former district president V.V. Rajesh, veteran councilor Karamana Ajith, and retired Director General of Police R. Sreelekha.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has officially nominated K.S. Sabarinadhan, former Congress MLA and recent Kowdiar ward winner, as their mayoral candidate. Mary Pushpam, a seasoned councilor, will be the UDF’s candidate for Deputy Mayor. While the UDF has improved its performance, gaining 19 seats, their numbers are not enough to secure the mayoral position outright.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has already declared its candidate, R.P. Sivaji, a long-time councillor and Vilappil area secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The LDF experienced a significant decline in seats compared to the 2020 elections, winning only 29 this year.

The outcome of the election hinges on the two independent candidates from the Kannammoola and Poundkadavu wards, who have remained tight-lipped about their allegiances. With the BJP’s struggles to secure a majority, their decisions could ultimately determine who will be the next Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram.

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