For the first time in the history of Kerala’s capital, the BJP-led NDA has won control of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led
Left Democratic Front’s (LDF) uninterrupted 45-year reign in the civic body. The result is expected to give the BJP a significant boost ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, particularly in the state capital, where the party has been steadily expanding its influence. Of the corporation’s 101 wards, the BJP won 50, while the CPI(M)-led LDF secured 29. The Congress-led UDF finished with 19 seats, and Independents won two. The BJP now stands just one seat short of a clear majority. Beyond the capital, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a tight contest with the UDF and also captured the Thrippunithura Municipality from the Congress. In Thrissur district, where Suresh Gopi won a Lok Sabha seat last year, the BJP made notable gains, winning 18 of 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkanchery municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam, six in Irinjalakuda and one in Chalakudy. The party also won four wards in block panchayats and 167 in grama panchayats, though it failed to secure a district panchayat seat in the district. State Election Commission figures at 2:30 pm showed the NDA winning 1,085 grama panchayat wards and 44 block panchayat wards statewide. The alliance also secured 11 wards in Kollam Corporation, 13 in Kozhikode, four in Kannur and six in Kochi, finishing third in these urban bodies. In Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP’s campaign spotlighting alleged corruption during the LDF’s tenure appeared to resonate with voters. The party’s focus on the Sabarimala gold loss issue also yielded results in Pathanamthitta district, helping it win 142 grama panchayat wards, six block panchayat wards and 21 municipality wards. In Pandalam, the BJP won nine wards, including Pandalam Town and Pandalam Town West, along with three seats in the Pandalam block panchayat. The outcome marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, long considered a Left stronghold. In the outgoing 100-member council, the CPI(M) held 51 seats, the NDA 35, and the UDF 10. The latest verdict shows a decisive erosion of Left support in the capital and a significant jump in the BJP's urban base. Reacting to the victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, wrote, "Thank you Thiruvananthapuram! The mandate the BJP-NDA got in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is a watershed moment in Kerala’s politics. The people are certain that the development aspirations of the state can only be addressed by our Party." "Our Party will work towards this vibrant city’s growth and boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people," he added. In another post, he wrote, "My gratitude to all hardworking BJP Karyakartas who have worked among the people, which has ensured a spectacular result in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Today is a day to recall the work and struggles of generations of Karyakartas in Kerala, who worked at the grassroots, which ensured today’s result became a reality. Our Karyakartas are our strength and we are proud of them!" State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the win signalled "game over for the Left" in Kerala, adding that the party’s performance showed it was on a “clear growth trajectory.”
He dismissed Congress gains in other parts of the state as temporary and said the BJP would now focus fully on the upcoming Assembly elections. Asked about the mayoral candidate, he simply said, "Stay tuned".
