Historic victory for BJP in Kerala's capital; LDF loses 45 years of rule; UDF strengthens its position

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The people of the capital of Kerala have taken the development promise of BJP seriously and have given a chance to the lotus. The NDA will now rule the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. A historic breakthrough by winning 50 seats out of the 100 in the elections. The Left stronghold has collapsed, bringing an end to 50 years of Left rule. LDF fell from 52 seats to 29. It lost 23 seats from the previous term. UDF improved its position by winning nine more seats. Two independents also won.

The NDA has now increased its tally to 50 from 35 seats in 2020. Out of a total of 101 seats, the election in the Vizhinjam division was postponed following the death of the candidate.

The BJP campaign was based on the slogan "What has not changed will change". BJP completely changed its usual style. It did not touch communalism. It did not go after controversies. It only used the development that comes with being in power as a weapon. This is also a victory for BJP President Rajiv Chandrasekhar's stance that the people are looking for development.

Amit Shah told BJP workers in Thiruvananthapuram that if the capital is captured, it will be like capturing Kerala. He also assured the voters that if the BJP come to power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally visit the state within 45 days and announce a major development project.

BJP leaders initially feared retaliation after the suicide of sitting councillor Tirumala Anil, following the cooperative society controversy and RSS worker Anand K. Thampi committed suicide in Thrikkannapuram for being denied a BJP ticket. BJP overcame these challenges through systematic campaigning.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has been the BJP's target since Kerala Varma Raja won nearly one lakh votes in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency. BJP was in opposition with 35 seats in 2015 and 2020. In the South Indian state capitals, the BJP has control of the Bengaluru Metro Corporation. Now it has won Thiruvananthapuram also.

Next target: Four assembly seats

The progress in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipality gives the BJP a lot of confidence. They are hoping to win the assembly elections in Vattiyoorkavu, Nemom, Kazhakoottam and Thiruvananthapuram Central constituencies under the corporation limits. The party has made huge progress in the wards of these constituencies. The BJP will take steps to maintain this trend in the coming days.