The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has delivered a strong performance in the recently concluded local body elections for the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation, securing a majority of the wards. However, in a twist, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) managed to garner a higher total number of votes within the city limits.
Seat Victory vs. Vote Share: A Contradictory Outcome
The electoral results present a fascinating dichotomy. The NDA alliance won 50 out of the 100 seats in the city corporation, marking an impressive gain. All these 50 seats were clinched by BJP candidates directly, as its allies, the BDJS and the Kamaraj Congress, lost both seats they contested. On the other hand, the LDF secured the highest vote count, polling 170,470 votes against the NDA's 168,662 votes. This means the LDF got 1,808 votes more than its main rival across the corporation wards.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) also showed a significant improvement from previous years, winning 19 seats. The UDF attracted 126,187 votes, which is 42,475 votes less than the NDA's tally. The voting pattern revealed a clear consolidation for the NDA in its political strongholds, whereas the LDF's support was more scattered across different wards.
Urban Inroads and Political Implications
Analysts note that the BJP's gains have primarily come in urban centres, largely at the expense of the CPM. The results have also fueled discussions about the alleged politicisation in the delimitation of wards, as the performance of the three fronts seemed to align with these claims.
With the BJP set to lead the corporation, the immediate focus is on selecting the mayor. BJP district president V V Rajesh is currently seen as the frontrunner for the post. The final decision will be taken in consultation with the party's central leadership. The newly elected councillors will be sworn in on December 21, after which the BJP is expected to announce its mayor candidate. The mayor's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 26.
Stability in the Council
Despite not having an absolute majority on its own, BJP sources express confidence about stability in the corporation council. They do not foresee the possibility of the LDF and UDF joining hands to topple the BJP administration, at least until the forthcoming assembly elections. The party has also not initiated any talks with the two independent councillors, as it does not perceive an immediate threat to its prospects in running the civic body.
This election outcome in the state capital underscores the shifting political dynamics in Kerala, with the BJP consolidating its urban footprint while traditional fronts engage in a tight contest for popular vote share.
