LDF candidates gather for a photograph after the front announced 93 candidates for the Thiruvananthapuram local body elections on Monday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has announced its list of candidates for the upcoming local body elections in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Candidates have been announced for 93 wards, while names for the remaining eight seats will be announced later. Notably, incumbent mayor Arya Rajendran does not feature in the list.
Of the total number of seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) will contest in 70 constituencies, with 31 seats allotted to the constituent parties of the LDF. Communist Party of India (CPI) will field candidates in 17 constituencies, Kerala Congress (M) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in three each, Janata Dal (Secular) in two and Indian National League (INL), Congress (S), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janadhipathya JSS Kerala Congress (Banadhipathya JSS Kerala Congress) and Janadhipathy one each.
CPI(M) nominees
Prominent CPI(m) candidates include former maymer and vanchiyoor area secretary K. Srekukuur (Chakka Ward), former Palayam area councilor and secretary Vanchiyoor Babu (Wanchiyoor Ward), Vilappil area secretary RP (punkkamughal marmard) and former general secretary of Keerala SP State Council for Children Wardpak (Walfare). Mr. Deepak is also one of the four district committee members of the struggling parties. While the LDF is yet to announce its mayoral candidate, these senior leaders are seen as strong contenders for the post.
Other key contestants include former Deputy Mayor Rakhi Ravikumar (CPI) who will contest from Vazhuthacaud, IP Binu (CPI(M)) from Kunnukuzhy and Palayam Rajan (Congress (S)) from Nanthancode.
High profile competitions
Several choirs are expected to witness significant contests. In Kowdiar, A. Sunil Kumar, former councilor and CPI(M) local committee secretary, will take on Congress leader KS Sabarinadhan, who is spearheading the United Democratic Front (UDF) campaign.
In Sasthamangalam, CPI(M)’s Amritha R. will contest against former Director General of Police (DGP) R. Sreelekha, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate. CPI(M)’s V Sukumaran Nair will take on senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and sitting councilor VV Rajesh in Kodunganoor.
The list also reflects a strong focus on youth participation, with 13 candidates under the age of 30, while 12 are under the age of 40. The youngest of them is 23-year-old Magna B., who will compete from the Alathara ward. Tripthiraj S., daughter of incumbent Deputy Mayor PK Raju, will contest from Pattom ward.
Announcing the candidates, CPI(M) District Secretary V Joy highlighted the growth achieved in the capital under the LDF administration. The coalition, he added, has transformed the Thiruvananthapuram company into one that attracts global attention. He compared it to the BJP-ruled Palakkad municipality, which he claimed continues to face numerous development challenges.
Published – 10 Nov 2025 21:27 IST
