BJP's VV Rajesh was elected the first Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation with 51 votes, while party colleague GS Asha Nath became Deputy Mayor. Rajesh called the win a 'historic moment' that would change the political situation in Kerala.
BJP Sweeps Top Posts in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and Karumam ward councillor GS Asha Nath was elected as the Deputy Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Friday.
Earlier in the day, BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh was elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. BJP's VV Rajesh has become the first Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, securing 51 votes with support from 50 BJP councillors and one independent councillor. UDF's KS Sabarinathan got 17 votes, and LDF's RP Shivaji got 29.
New Mayor Pledges Inclusive Development
Speaking with ANI, Rajesh described it as a "historic moment" that'll shift Kerala's politics, pledging inclusive development for Thiruvananthapuram. "This is a historic moment, and I think this moment will change the political situation of Kerala. I think that the political change of Thiruvananthapuram will change the entire political situation in Kerala," said Rajesh.
Rajesh's win signals a new chapter for the BJP's urban politics in Kerala. He pledged to work together, implement inclusive development programmes, and transform Thiruvananthapuram into a developed city. "We will move forward, taking everyone along. Development programmes will be implemented by treating all 101 wards equally. Thiruvananthapuram will be transformed into one of the developed cities of the country," he said.
Party Leaders Hail 'Historic' Victory
Union Minister and BJP leader Suresh Gopi termed the development a "historic moment" for the people of Thiruvananthapuram. He said the long-standing aspirations of residents had now found political expression and would be realised through governance aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.
"We will prove the strength of Modi's governance in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. This will have political repercussions not just in Kerala but across the southern states," Gopi said. He also referenced initial proposals from the new Mayor, including projects to improve street safety. He assured Rajesh that he would have the support of party leaders at both the state and national levels.
On BJP's VV Rajesh being elected Thiruvananthapuram mayor, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, "The CPM, with the support of implicit or behind-the-door support of the Congress, has run Thiruvananthapuram city to the ground. Unfortunately, this corporation has become a den of corruption. As we have exposed during the campaign, this corporation has wasted money and done nothing to develop Thiruvananthapuram. Even basic issues such as drainage, water, and solid waste management have been ignored for the past 45 years. Therefore, since the day people allow us to serve them, we will begin developing Thiruvananthapuram. As our Mayor, Rajesh, said, we aim to make Thiruvananthapuram one of the top three cities in the country. That is our goal. And for that our work starts today."
Major Shift in State Capital's Political Landscape
The result signals a major shift in the political landscape of the state capital, long considered a stronghold of the Left and Congress-led alliances. The BJP's success in Thiruvananthapuram is being seen as a morale booster for the party ahead of future local body and Assembly contests in Kerala. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)