Thiruvananthapuram: As the countdown begins for the LSGI elections in Kerala, the BJP has made a strong statement of intent by announcing the names of prominent candidates for the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation—one of the state’s most politically charged battlegrounds.
BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar released the first list of candidates covering 67 divisions of the Corporation. The LDF currently controls the 100-member civic body with a majority of 52 seats, while the BJP holds 35, making it the principal opposition. The Congress-led UDF trails with 10 members, alongside three independents.
This time, the BJP is making an aggressive bid to lead the capital city, banking on both its growing urban support base and the public’s growing discontent with the LDF administration. The inclusion of distinguished personalities in the BJP’s candidate list has added star power to the campaign.
Among the notable figures is R. Sreelekha, IPS (Retd)—Kerala’s first woman IPS officer and former Director General of Police—who recently joined the BJP and was appointed as the party’s state vice president. Another candidate drawing attention is Padmini Thomas, a celebrated athlete, former president of the Kerala State Sports Promotion Council, and an Arjuna Award recipient who brought laurels to the nation in the 1982 Asian Games.
The BJP has sharply attacked the LDF’s governance record in the city, accusing it of corruption, mismanagement, and failure in civic administration. Allegations of irregularities in appointments and controversies surrounding Mayor Arya Rajendran and her legislator husband have further fueled anti-incumbency sentiments. Mayor Arya Rajendran, a former SFI activist and her MLA husband have faced several allegations in connection with the anomalies in the conduct including shameless altercation with a KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corp[oration) bus driver in the street.
Residents have voiced frustration over the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, chronic waterlogging, and lack of development initiatives.
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