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Thiruvananthapuram News

The New Indian Express News

Thiruvananthapuram / The New Indian Express

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NDA one seat short, Vizhinjam poll & independents key to corporation control

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: NDAs thumping performance in the elections to the corporation council has placed it firmly on the threshold of power, with independent councillors and the postponed Vizhinjam ward election emerging as decisive factors in shaping the final balance. The BJP-led NDA won 50 of the 101 wards, falling just one short of an absolute majority, while the LDF was reduced to 27 wards and the UDF secured 19 wards. With independents winning two seats, the fronts have started efforts to ensure their support. Though the NDA narrowly missed the halfway mark, according to experts, a formal support from at least one of the independent candidates is mandatory for the BJP to ensure smooth governance and full control over the council. The UDF and the LDF are expected to remain rivals in the council with no scope for a post-poll understanding. Without full control of the council, especially during no confidence motions, BJP may find it difficult. Having one more member on their side is critical, said J Prabhash, political commentator and former professor with Kerala Universitys department of political sciences. The postponed election in Vizhinjam ward, owing to the sudden demise of an independent candidate, has opened up a fresh political battleground, with all major fronts eyeing the ward to secure a clear and unquestioned majority in the council. Vizhinjam, which has around 14,000 voters including nearly 5,000 from the Hindu community, is now being seen as a key battle. The NDA, just one seat short of the magic number, is keen on winning the ward to avoid complete dependence on post-poll alignments. The UDF, meanwhile, has fielded Sudheer Khan, who is considered a strong contender in the ward and is expected to put up a tough fight. Post election results, leaders of both the UDF and the NDA are scrambling to secure the support of independents. Sudheesh Kumar, the independent councillor from Powdikonam and a Congress rebel, told TNIE that he has been approached by both fronts. He contested as an independent in protest against the Congress leaderships decision to allot the Powdikonam ward to the IUML. After the results, I have been flooded with calls from different parties. The people in this ward supported me and I want to continue as an independent and give my very best for them, he said. Another independent councillor, Pattoor Radhakrishnan from the Kannamoola ward, said he has not yet made up his mind on whether to align with any political front or continue as an independent. As of now, I havent decided anything. A lot of workers stood with me and worked along with me to win this election. There will be more discussions before taking any decision. I might continue as an independent, Radhakrishnan said. However, the BJP is confident of winning the Vizhinjam ward. BJP Thiruvananthapuram Central district president Karamana Jayan said the party is keeping its door open for both independent candidates. Even if they dont support us, we will rule the corporation. Also, we are very confident of winning the Vizhinjam ward, he said.

15 Dec 2025 10:32 am