Comfortable victory for R Sreelekha, VV Rajesh and Sabarinadhan; All eyes on Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram corporation is in the spotlight in Kerala right now, while experts foresee a hung assembly. While BJP is making headway in the fight to secure power, the CPM and Congress are trailing behind. Even amidst doubts regarding the BJP’s capability to secure power single-handedly, the mayoral candidates from all three fronts eased to victory. This time, the Congress has fielded KS Sabarinadhan for the city council with the aim of securing power. Sabarinadhan has won from the Kowdiar ward.

Former ADGP R Sreelekha won from the Sasthamangalam ward. R. Sreelekha is a likely Mayor candidate for BJP if the saffron party wrests power in the capital. Sreelekha defeated CPM's young candidate, Amrutha. Former BJP district president V.V. Rajesh won comfortably from Kodunganoor ward. Since there is no reservation for women for the post of mayor in the municipality this time, V.V. Rajesh will be the first priority to become mayor.

CPM’s mayoral candidates S.P. Deepak from Pettah, former mayor K. Sreekumar from Chackai, and Vanchiyoor P. Babu from Vanchiyoor ward, also won. In the 101 ward corporation, 51 seats are required for an absolute majority. According to the information coming out at 11 am, the BJP is leading in 46 seats. The LDF is leading in 22 wards and the Congress in 16 wards. An independent candidate won in Kannammoola ward.