TrivandrumLife: The CPM-led Left Democratic Front retained its rule in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the local body elections. Despite NDA launched a major campaign, it couldn’t bring an end to LDF rule, which is continuing unchallenged since 1995.
In the 100-seat council, LDF won with 51 seats, a seat more than the winning margin of 50 seats. NDA won 34 seats while UDF had to be satisfied with mere 10 seats. Other independent candidates won five seats.
Though LDF won the council, it faced severe setbacks in the election with the defeat of former major K Sreekumar at Karikkakam ward and major-probables S Pushpalatha and O G Oleena at Nedumcad and Kunnukuzhy wards respectively. Though LDF has fielded six women in general seats, one except all others failed.
NDA had launched a major campaign with the aim to win the city Corporation. BJP district president V V Rajesh won from Pappanamcode.
Trivandrum Vikasana Munnani, an organisation launched by a group of professionals aimed at development of Thiruvananthapuram, could not make any impact in the elections.
This year also saw parties giving seats of young candidates. Several such candidates, including Gayathri Babu at Vanchiyoor, Nandabhargav from Nettayam, and Sharanya S S from Kannamoola, won the seats with a good margin.
As this year’s mayor post is reserved for woman, winners like P Jameela of Peroorkada ward has chances of winning the post.
Jisha Surya is a media professional with over a decade of experience in various media houses including The New Indian Express and Times of India. She covers city infrastructure, social issues, and lifestyle stories.
