BJP’s Rajesh becomes Thiruvananthapuram’s first mayor, ending 45-year Left rule.

On December 26, 2025, BJP leader and council member VV Rajesh took the oath of office as Thiruvananthapuram's first BJP mayor, ending nearly 45 years of Left rule in the city's civic body. He defeated LDF and UDF candidates with 51 votes, supported by the BJP and one independent councillor. Following its best local body performance with 50 seats in the city, the victory represents the BJP's first mayoral victory in Kerala. It was dubbed a "watershed moment" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. V.K. Minimol, a member of Congress, was elected mayor of Kochi, and UDF and LDF leaders were elected to office in other major cities. No major party was able to secure a statewide sweep.