The outcomes of the local body elections in Kerala have posed a challenge for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) as they prepare for next year's elections. The Congress-led United Democratic Front is leading in four out of six municipal bodies and 14 district panchayats, compared to the ruling coalition's six.
The BJP has surprisingly become the most prominent newsmaker, with the NDA, under its leadership, capturing 50 out of 101 seats in the municipal corporation of Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram. This marks the first time the party has achieved such a significant victory there. Last year, the BJP won its inaugural Lok Sabha seat in the southern state, where it has historically had only one MLA.
The capital is included in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, where Congress' Shashi Tharoor has secured victory consecutively four times since 2009.
The municipal corporation, previously considered a stronghold of the Left, had the CPI(M) holding 51 seats, the BJP-led NDA 35, and the UDF 10 in the previous 100-member corporation. In the current elections, with the number of seats increased to 101, the NDA secured 50 seats, the LDF 29, and the UDF 19, while the remaining two seats were won by Independents.
Speaking on X on Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mandate as a 'watershed moment' and attributed it to the dedication of BJP workers.
Expressing gratitude to Thiruvananthapuram, he stated that the BJP-NDA's victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation marks a pivotal moment in Kerala's political landscape. The citizens are confident that only our Party can fulfill the state's development goals. Our Party is committed to advancing this dynamic city's progress and enhancing the 'Ease of Living' for its residents.
I am thankful to all the dedicated BJP workers who have engaged with the community... Today is a moment to remember the efforts and challenges faced by generations of workers in Kerala, who operated at the grassroots level, making today's outcome possible," he stated.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the president of the Kerala BJP, stated that the results indicated it was 'game over for the Left.'
He stated that their vision is 'Vikasita Keralam' (developed Kerala), and the Kerala branch of the BJP is evidently progressing. He pointed out their performance throughout the State and their vote share, mentioning that they aimed for a 25 percent vote share and are optimistic about surpassing at least 20 percent, as reported by news agency IANS.
The BJP maintained its hold on the Palakkad municipality for the third straight term and dealt another blow to the LDF in the Tripunithura municipality by securing 21 wards compared to the ruling coalition's 20.
Response from Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor, who has faced criticism from his party for allegedly showing support towards BJP and Modi, congratulated both the Congress and the UDF on their win in Thiruvananthapuram. He also extended his congratulations to the BJP for their victory in the same region, noting that it signifies a shift in the political environment.
Heartfelt congratulations to @UDFKerala for an outstanding victory in numerous local bodies! This is a significant endorsement and a strong indication leading up to the state legislative elections. The combination of hard work, a compelling message, and anti-incumbency has evidently resulted in a much improved outcome compared to 2020," Tharoor expressed in a post on X.
I would like to recognize the BJP's remarkable achievement in Thiruvananthapuram and extend sincere congratulations on their substantial win in the city Corporation. This impressive result signifies a significant change in the political scene of the capital. Although I advocated for a departure from 45 years of LDF governance, the electorate has chosen to support another party that also aimed for a distinct shift in leadership," he stated.
In a remark that might stir some controversy within Congress once more, he stated, "This is the essence of democracy. The decision of the people should be honored, whether it favors the UDF as a whole or the BJP in my electoral area."
