The decision of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to contest the mayoral election in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation this time added to the drama and uncertainty of the mayoral contest. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has decided to field RP Sivaji, the Vilappil Area councilor and party secretary, for the mayor’s post, but has been tight-lipped on the front’s strategy for the December 26 council chamber elections. “The district committee of the CPI(M) has decided on the candidature,” he says of the candidature. served as councilor in the corporation. Despite a historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the local body elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) still falls short of the required majority of 51 in the 101-member council. The two independent candidates who won in Kannammoola and Poundkadavu constituencies have kept their options open. It remains to be seen whether, in exchange for support, they would negotiate for key posts, including the mayorship or the post of chairman of one of the standing committees. The number of seats in the LDF decreased from 51 seats in 2020 to 29 seats this year. However, the BJP’s failure to secure a majority seems to have led the front to contest the mayoral election. Although elections are pending in Vizhinjam ward, the LDF and the United Democratic Front (UDF) have an upper hand over the BJP in the region. The BJP itself is caught in a tussle over its mayoral candidate with former district president VVRajesh, three-time councilor Karamana Ajith and R Sreelekha, former director general of police, in contention. The party is expected to announce a mayoral candidate a day before the election.
Published – 22 Dec 2025 19:25 IST
