‘Notable shift in political landscape’: Tharoor reacts as BJP scores landmark win in Thiruvananthapuram

Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor on Saturday welcomed the outcome of the Kerala local body elections, calling the results a clear democratic mandate while also acknowledging the BJP’s breakthrough in his parliamentary constituency.

In a post on X, Tharoor congratulated the Congress-led United Democratic Front for what he described as an impressive showing across Kerala’s local bodies, saying the performance sent a strong political signal ahead of the next Assembly elections.

“What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections. The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through,” Tharoor wrote.

What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.

A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 13, 2025

He said the UDF’s gains reflected sustained hard work, a strong political message and prevailing anti-incumbency, noting that the alliance had performed significantly better than in the 2020 local body polls.

At the same time, Tharoor acknowledged the BJP’s strong showing in Thiruvananthapuram, congratulating the party on what he termed a historic performance in the city corporation.

“I also want to acknowledge the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city Corporation, a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape,” he said. Tharoor added that while he had campaigned for a change after decades of Left rule, voters had chosen another party seeking a similar shift in governance. “That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected,” he said.

The remarks came as the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, long considered a Congress stronghold represented by Tharoor. In the 101-member corporation, the BJP won 50 wards, falling just one short of the majority mark.

The ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front suffered a major setback in the capital, securing 29 seats, while the UDF won 19 wards. Two seats went to Independents, and polling in one ward was cancelled following the death of a candidate last week.

Across Kerala, the UDF led the overall tally, taking the lead in 7,869 wards. The LDF was ahead in 6,505 wards, while the BJP-led NDA was leading in 1,426 wards.

Celebrations were seen in several parts of the state, including outside Maharaja’s College in Kochi, where UDF workers waved party flags, raised slogans and danced to drumbeats, reflecting confidence within the Congress-led alliance despite the setback in the state capital.