Long-shelved dream becoming reality; BJP mayor to welcome PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the results of the 2015 local body elections came, BJP had only seven seats in Thiruvananthapuram. The saffron party dedicated time in the capital city and made serious inroads, winning 35 seats in the 2020 local body elections.

The target set by BJP in the capital city for over a decade has finally reached fruition with the saffron party now just two seats shy of a majority in the capital city. It is a story of systematic work and foresight behind the party's rise from seven seats to a single-handedly ruling force in the capital city of Kerala. The BJP sought votes by repeatedly vowing to bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thiruvananthapuram to announce the development plan for the capital city. If the plan goes accordingly, it would not be so long for a BJP mayor to welcome the Indian PM at the Thiruvanthapuram airport.

The BJP, led by state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, conducted a campaign that understood the pulse of the city residents, such as the Vizhinjam port, related development, Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail and street dog menace. In Kerala, which is free from political infighting and controversies, the BJP presented a development manifesto which hit the right chords with voters in the capital.

Even when it came to the selection of candidates, BJP leadership followed a tough attitude, leaving no room for errors. The final list of candidates was approved with the intervention of the RSS. Seats were given to sitting councillors, including those based on performance. The campaign strategy that promised to bring the Prime Minister within 45 days of an election win also paid dividends.