CPM's unexpected move heats up mayoral battle in Thiruvananthapuram corporation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An unexpected challenge popped up for BJP in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, just days after their historic win, wresting power from CPM. The CPM has now decided to contest the mayoral election. Although CPM won only 29 out of 101 wards, they decided to contest as BJP lacks an absolute majority in the corporation. CPM will field senior leader R.P. Shivaji in the mayoral election.

Former Vilappil Area Secretary R.P. Shivaji became the municipal councillor by winning from the Punnakkamugal ward. CPM fear that distancing away from the mayoral race would send a wrong message. Elections were held in 100 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram municipality. The election in the Vizhinjam ward was postponed after the death of the candidate. BJP, with 50 seats, is the single largest party in the corporation.

The CPM won 29 seats, the Congress 19 seats and independents won two wards. The decision from independent councillors will be crucial. Similarly, the election in the Vizhinjam ward will also become important for the fronts.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirmed that the BJP Mayor candidate will be announced on December 26.