Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has marked a historical victory in the 2025 Kerala local body elections, becoming the single largest party in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, thus putting an end to a 45-year rule by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
In a total of 101 wards, the NDA has won 50 seats, putting it on a robust footing to constitute a new formation of the state’s corporation. The ruling LDF has been left with only 29, while the Congress party, which leads the United Democratic Front (UDF), is left with 19. Two Independents have been elected, while voting in one of the wards has been cancelled as a candidate died. This election has brought a profound change in the political alignment of the state’s capital.
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Historic result in Thiruvananthapuram
The Thiruvananthapuram result is being perceived as the biggest victory for the BJP in this election season. The capital, which has long been recognised as a Left bastion, has now handed over the BJP’s first-ever administration of the corporation. This is the first instance that the district, which is known to be represented by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is also a member of parliament, has been won over by the BJP.
PM Modi hails NDA’s Thiruvananthapuram victory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter), conveying gratitude. He 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 w ill work towards this vibrant city’s growth and boost ‘Ease of Living’ for the people. #VikasitaThiruvananthapuram.”
Shashi Tharoor calls verdict the ‘beauty of democracy’
Tharoor posted on X, describing the day as "a day of amazing results" for the state’s democracy. He wrote, “What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.”
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He also added, “I also want to acknowledge the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city Corporation — a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape. I campaigned for a change from 45 years of LDF misrule, but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.”
“That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency. We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!,” he concluded.
NDA gains in Tripunith
The NDA has also wrested control of the Tripunithura Municipality in Ernakulam district, securing 21 seats in the 53-member council. The LDF came a close second with 20 seats, while the UDF ended up third with 12 seats. It is for the first time that the BJP will be in power at the Tripunithura Municipal Council, which has been an A-grade municipality that has been alternating between LDF and UDF rule.
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Palakkad hold strengthen
In the Palakkad Municipality, the NDA came back to power, with the BJP becoming the single-largest party with 25 seats, while the UDF secured 18, and the LDF slipped to nine, making Palakkad a stronghold for the BJP in Kerala.
The local body elections were conducted in two phases on December 9 and 11, which reported a cumulative turnout of 73.69 per cent, as per the State Election Commission. Now that the Assembly elections are slated for 2026, the NDA’s success, especially in the urban local bodies, is set to impact the future political agendas.
