Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated newly elected Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor V V Rajesh and Deputy Mayor G S Asha Nath following the BJP’s historic win in the local body elections.
In a letter shared by Rajesh on social media, the Prime Minister described the victory as an end to the “fixed match” between the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
“In the midst of the festive season and as we begin the year 2026, history was made in the great city of Thiruvananthapuram when you took oath as the Mayor of the city and G S Asha Nath Ji took oath as the Deputy Mayor. I congratulate you and Asha Ji on this occasion. I also congratulate all our party’s newly elected councillors and karyakartas for the historic performance in the Thiruvananthapuram local body polls”, the Prime Minister wrote in his letter.
“I have fond memories of visiting Thiruvananthapuram, a city that holds a place of pride in the hearts of every Malayali. Blessed by Sree Padmanabhaswamy and being the capital of Kerala, the city has nurtured thought leaders, social reformers, artists, musicians, poets, cultural icons, saints and seers. When such a city blesses our party, it is truly humbling. Our vision to build a Viksit Thiruvananthapuram has resonated with people across all sections of society. People have seen the work of our government at the Centre and our efforts towards urban development in different states, which is why they chose to bless us. I thank the people of this city for their warmth,” he added.
Taking a jibe at the LDF and the UDF, the Prime Minister said there was a culture of corruption and violence and praised BJP workers for their fearless efforts during the campaign.
“I am sure I speak on behalf of countless BJP karyakartas in Kerala and across India when I say that this achievement has brought immense happiness and pride. Powered by the blessings of the people of Thiruvananthapuram, what has happened is epoch-making. It is a milestone written in golden letters,” he said.
“For decades, BJP workers in Kerala have walked a difficult path. The state’s politics has been dominated by the LDF and the UDF, whose poor governance record is evident. These fronts have also perpetuated a culture of corruption and violence that goes against Kerala’s ethos. Yet, despite adversity and hostility, our karyakartas stood firm, raised people’s issues fearlessly, carried the party flag and upheld the ideology of India First with courage. Many of them are no longer with us, but I am sure their blessings are with you,” the letter said.
The Prime Minister said the people had chosen the BJP-NDA, which he described as being “rooted in nationalism without exclusion”.
“The success of our party in Kerala’s capital signals that the people of the state, especially youngsters and women, are ready for a new dawn. The BJP-NDA is emerging as the people’s option — rooted in nationalism without exclusion, development without corruption and governance without appeasement. The fixed match of the LDF and UDF, who are friends in Delhi and ‘rivals’ in Kerala, is nearing its end. Kerala wants to break free from their broken promises,” the letter added.
BJP state secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor V V Rajesh was elected Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on December 26, marking the party’s breakthrough in Kerala’s urban politics.
Rajesh became the first BJP mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, securing 51 votes with the support of 50 BJP councillors and one independent councillor. UDF candidate K S Sabarinathan received 17 votes, while LDF’s R P Shivaji secured 29.
Meanwhile, G S Asha Nath was elected Deputy Mayor on the same day.
(ANI)
