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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the newly elected Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor VV Rajesh and his deputy GS Asha Nath in a heartfelt letter, following the BJP’s historic victory in Kerala’s local body elections. PM Modi termed the win as the end of the “fixed match” between the CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-led UDF.In his letter, the Prime Minister wrote, “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 GS Asha Nath Ji took oath as the Deputy Mayor. I would like to congratulate you and Asha Ji for this. I would also like to congratulate all our Party’s newly elected councillors and Karyakartas for the historic performance in the Thiruvananthapuram local body polls.”PM Modi praised the city’s legacy and the BJP’s work, saying, “Our vision to build a Vikasita Thiruvananthapuram has resonated with people across the city, from 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 decided to bless us. I thank the people of this city for the warmth.”He also highlighted the challenges faced by BJP workers in Kerala, noting decades of hostility and violence by rival fronts. He said the victory reflected the people’s choice for “nationalism without exclusion, development without corruption and governance without appeasement.”Sharing PM Modi’s letter on X on Thursday, VV Rajesh said the recognition was “the New Year’s gift given to Kerala by Modiji,” and credited decades of hard work by BJP workers in the state for the political change in Thiruvananthapuram. In his X post, he wrote, “This recognition is the New Year’s gift given to Kerala by the Honorable Prime Minister.” The political change in Thiruvananthapuram is the result of decades of hard work by BJP workers in Kerala. This recognition is the New Year’s gift given to Kerala by Modiji” BJP state secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh was elected Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on December 26. He secured the victory with 51 votes (50 BJP councillors + 1 independent), defeating UDF’s KS Sabarinathan (17) and LDF’s RP Shivaji (29). GS Asha Nath was elected Deputy Mayor the same day.
