In the Kerala civic body elections, the BJP made history by winning the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the Left's 45-year control.
The Congress-led UDF scored major victories across local bodies, while the Left Front (LDF) lost control of four out of five municipalities, including Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Congress described the results as a rejection of "divisive politics" and a sign of change ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the BJP won 50 of 101 seats, just one short of a majority, marking its first-ever win in the city. Retired DGP Sreelekha, who won from Sasthamangalam, is the frontrunner for mayor.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the victory as a "watershed moment," signaling the BJP’s growing influence in Kerala, following its first-ever Lok Sabha win in 2024. The UDF also made strong gains, winning 54 of 87 municipalities and four of six corporations. UDF chief Mallikarjun Kharge celebrated the result, while Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said it reflected the people's desire for a responsive government.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised the UDF's win and congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in Thiruvananthapuram. He described the results as "a day of amazing results" and said the mandate was clear. Tharoor acknowledged the shift in Kerala’s political landscape, stating, "The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through. Congratulations to @UDFKerala for an impressive win across local bodies!" He added, “This is a powerful signal ahead of the state elections, with hard work, a strong message, and anti-incumbency clearly paying off.” Tharoor also highlighted the BJP's significant breakthrough in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a shift after 45 years of LDF rule.
