Sat Dec 27 20:15:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

BJP’s V.V. Rajesh Elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, Marking Historic Win for Party

Thiruvananthapuram, India – December 28, 2025 – In a landmark victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured its first-ever win in a Corporation in Kerala, with V.V. Rajesh elected as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram on December 27, 2025. This triumph follows the BJP’s impressive performance in the recent local elections, where they won 50 seats in the 100-member council, falling just short of a majority.

Rajesh, a seasoned BJP leader with deep roots in the district, emerged as the frontrunner for the mayoral post after a last-minute shift, edging out R. Sreelekha, the former Director-General of Police, who joined the BJP in 2024. Despite initial discontent from Ms. Sreelekha, Rajesh quickly diffused the situation, emphasizing party unity.

A former student activist and state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Rajesh has consistently improved the BJP’s standing in previous Assembly elections. While his absence from council meetings has been criticized, his commitment to the party’s grassroots development is widely acknowledged.

During the election campaign, the BJP, led by State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, pledged a comprehensive development blueprint for Thiruvananthapuram within 45 days of assuming office. Upon taking charge, Mayor Rajesh vowed to transform the capital into one of the top three most developed cities in India within the next five years, capitalizing on the momentum generated by the Vizhinjam port project.

While this victory marks a significant milestone, the BJP’s overall performance in the local body elections reveals a decline in vote share, raising concerns about the party’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections. The central leadership is expected to focus on showcase projects in Thiruvananthapuram to bolster the party’s image.

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