Despite the Congress’ Shashi Tharoor securing a hard-fought victory in the Thiruvananthapuram parliamentary constituency, the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) emerged as the significant loser in the state capital. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outperformed the LDF in several key booths, including those of prominent LDF ministers and the city’s controversial mayor.
The Thiruvananthapuram constituency saw a high-stakes triangular contest with Tharoor ultimately defeating BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar. However, in multiple booths, the LDF was relegated to third place. Notably, the BJP led in booths belonging to CPM Education Minister V. Sivankutty and Mayor Arya Rajendran.
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In the Perunthanni booth of Minister Sivankutty, the BJP garnered 335 votes compared to the LDF’s 87. Sivankutty represents the Nemom Assembly constituency. Similarly, in Food Minister G.R. Anil’s booth, the BJP secured 522 votes while the LDF managed only 161. The BJP’s dominance was further evident in Mayor Rajendran’s booth, where it received 770 votes. Senior CPM leader and former minister Kadakampally Surendran’s booth also saw the BJP outperform the LDF by 346 votes.
Moreover, the BJP came first in eleven assembly segments, five in Thiruvananthapuram district and six in Thrissur district. The party secured second place in eight additional segments, with three in Thiruvananthapuram, two in Alappuzha, one in Palakkad, and two in Kasaragod. The BJP/NDA achieved a significant milestone by capturing 20% of the total votes in the state.
Thiruvananthapuram district, comprising 14 assembly segments, has 13 represented by the CPM and one by the CPI. The LDF-run Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, with 100 councillors, includes 34 from the BJP.
Political observers note a discernible shift towards the BJP in the capital district. Despite the LDF’s strong representation with 14 MLAs and control of the Municipal Corporation, the party appears to be gradually losing its foothold in the region.
These developments suggest a changing political landscape in Thiruvananthapuram, with the BJP gaining significant ground at the expense of the traditionally dominant LDF.
